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Unrivaled Basketball League: The Ultimate Guide to Teams, Schedule, Salaries, and How to Watch

The Unrivaled Women’s Basketball League officially launches on January 17 in Miami. Co-founded by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, this groundbreaking league is set to redefine women’s basketball with its innovative format, record-breaking salaries, and player-first approach. Below is a comprehensive FAQ to answer all your questions about this exciting new venture.

What Is Unrivaled?
Unrivaled is a professional 3x3 women’s basketball league designed to provide WNBA players with a domestic offseason alternative to playing overseas. The league features six teams and 36 of the top women’s basketball players competing in a fast-paced, playground-style format. Games are played on a condensed full court (72x49.2 feet), smaller than a standard WNBA court (94x50 feet) at a custom-built facility in Miami.

Where Can I Watch Unrivaled?
Unrivaled games air three times a week:

  • Mondays and Fridays on TNT.
  • Saturdays on truTV.

All games are also available for streaming on Max.
Former WNBA star Candace Parker will anchor a studio show during broadcasts.

What is the Schedule?
The full schedule can be viewed on the official Unrivaled.basketball site.

How Much do Unrivaled Players Make?
Unrivaled offers groundbreaking compensation:

  • Average player salary: $222,222 (the highest in women’s team sports).
  • Total salary pool: Over $8 million.

    Players also receive equity stakes in the league and enjoy luxury amenities such as:
  • Personalized chefs.
  • Two-bedroom apartments at no cost.
  • Rental cars.
  • Childcare stipends and family-friendly facilities.
    The Miami facility includes saunas, recovery rooms, and even a Sephora-sponsored glam room.

What Are the Teams?
Unrivaled features six teams, each with six players and one head coach. Here are the rosters:

Laces BC

  • Players: Stefanie Dolson, Tiffany Hayes, Kate Martin, Kayla McBride, Alyssa Thomas, Jackie Young
  • Head Coach: Andrew Wade

Lunar Owls BC

  • Players: Napheesa Collier, Shakira Austin, Skylar Diggins-Smith, Allisha Gray, Courtney Williams (Cameron Brink is on the roster but will not play due to injury)
  • Head Coach: DJ Sackmann

Mist BC

  • Players: Breanna Stewart, Jewell Loyd, DiJonai Carrington, Aaliyah Edwards, Rickea Jackson, Courtney Vandersloot
  • Head Coach: Phil Handy

Phantom BC

  • Players: Natasha Cloud, Brittney Griner, Sabrina Ionescu, Marina Mabrey, Satou Sabally, Katie Lou Samuelson
  • Head Coach: Adam Harrington

Rose BC

  • Players: Chelsea Gray, Kahleah Copper, Lexie Hull, Angel Reese, Azurá Stevens, Brittney Sykes
  • Head Coach: Nola Henry

Vinyl BC

  • Players: Aliyah Boston, Rae Burrell, Jordin Canada, Dearica Hamby, Rhyne Howard, Arike Ogunbowale
  • Head Coach: Teresa Weatherspoon

What Are the Rules?
Unrivaled games feature:

  • Game Length: Three seven-minute quarters plus a fourth quarter called "winning score."
  • Winning Score: The first team to score 11 points beyond the leading team’s third-quarter total wins the game. (Similar to the Elam Ending, which was once used in the NBA All-Star Game)
  • Shot Clock: 18 seconds (shorter than the WNBA's 24-second clock).
  • Fouls: Players foul out after six fouls. If only three players are available and one fouls out, they remain in the game but rack up technical fouls for each additional foul.

This format is meant to emphasize speed and playground-style basketball.

How Long is the Season?
The inaugural season spans nine weeks from January 17 to March 17 and concludes with playoffs for the top four teams.

Who Owns It?
Unrivaled was co-founded by Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier. Alex Bazzell (Collier’s husband) serves as league president. The league has raised over $35 million from investors including Giannis Antetokounmpo, Coco Gauff, Michael Phelps, Dawn Staley, and Marc Lasry.

What Are Players Saying About Unrivaled?

  • “We want to do Unrivaled so the W [WNBA] gets better,” said Napheesa Collier.
  • Breanna Stewart emphasized the benefit of not having to travel overseas: “Yes, you’re making money. You’re experiencing new cultures, which is always a positive. But you’re missing so much.”
  • Angel Reese praised its amenities: “Everything I need is here—from massages to workouts to child care.”
  • Brittney Griner added: “...It’ll definitely put pressure on [the WNBA] to do better.”

What Does This Mean for the WNBA?
Unrivaled complements the WNBA by offering players a lucrative offseason alternative within the U.S., reducing reliance on overseas leagues. Its higher salaries and equity stakes set new benchmarks that could push the WNBA toward better compensation and benefits for its athletes. WNBA players were able to negotiate charter flights for games last year for the first time. Unrivaled may open the door for further upgrades for these athletes.

What About This 1-on-1 Tournament for $250K?
Midseason (February 10–14), Unrivaled will host a single-elimination 1-on-1 tournament where players compete for a $250,000 grand prize—the largest individual award in women’s basketball history. The teammates of the winning player will each receive an additional $10,000.

What Will Be the Overall Impact on Women’s Sports?
Unrivaled is setting new standards for player compensation and equity in women’s sports while elevating visibility for female athletes year-round. By creating a sustainable model that prioritizes athletes’ well-being and competitive pay, it could inspire similar leagues across other sports while continuing to grow interest in women’s basketball globally.

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