Okay, buckle up, because the Unrivaled 3×3 women’s basketball league just dropped a bombshell that has everyone talking. This isn’t just a minor bump; the league’s value has absolutely exploded to a mind-blowing $650 million. Think about that: it was “only” at $340 million just last year in 2025. That’s a massive jump, and it tells you everything about where women’s professional hoops is headed.
The Money, The Power, and the A-List Backers
This incredible leap in value comes straight out of a successful Series C fundraising round that pumped another $100 million into the organization. And who’s backing this venture? We’re talking some serious heavy hitters. Legendary UConn coach Geno Auriemma is in on it. NBA superstars Carmelo Anthony and Trae Young are investing. Even women’s soccer icon Alex Morgan and actor Ashton Kutcher are throwing their weight behind it. These aren’t just names; these are people who recognize a groundbreaking movement when they see one.
Co-founder and CEO Alex Bazzell, who is also Napheesa Collier’s husband, nailed it when he said they’re partnering with investors who share their vision. It’s all about creating lasting value and greater opportunity for the best players in the world, while seriously elevating the game for the fans. But here’s the kicker, the part that truly sets Unrivaled apart: players own about 30% of this staggering $650 million valuation. That’s around $200 million directly in the hands of the athletes! The league claims a shocking 97% of its roster, including all 36 founding players, hold equity. Paige Bueckers, another UConn star, signed a three-year contract back in April 2025 that included an undisclosed share of equity. This isn’t just a league; it’s a player-owned revolution.
Built By Stars, For Stars
So, how did we get here? Unrivaled was founded by former UConn legends Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart in 2023. Their goal was simple: create a real off-season alternative for WNBA players. For years, these incredible athletes had to head overseas to Europe or Asia just to keep playing and earn a living. Stewart herself was the league’s first signed player in early 2024, and since then, they’ve attracted a majority of the WNBA’s top talent. We’re talking names like Kelsey Plum, Alyssa Thomas, Allisha Gray, and Kelsey Mitchell, just to name a few. These are the best of the best, opting to stay home and build something epic.
And fans are absolutely showing up. In January 2026, Unrivaled pulled in the largest crowd for any regular-season game of women’s basketball ever. We’re talking 21,490 fans packed into Philadelphia’s Xfinity Mobile Arena for a doubleheader event. The semifinals even hit Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. That’s not just a game; that’s an event, a statement.
With the WNBA season winding down, all eyes are already looking ahead. Unrivaled plans to expand its geographic footprint for the upcoming 2027 season, with eight tour stops on the schedule. This league isn’t just growing; it’s transforming women’s basketball, giving power back to the players, and proving that the demand for this level of competition is absolutely through the roof. Get ready, because Unrivaled is just getting started, and they’re bringing the heat.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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