Unrivaled just dropped a bomb on the women’s basketball world, announcing on August 26 that the league is now valued at a staggering $650 million. This isn’t just a number; it means player equity has ballooned to nearly $200 million, signaling a massive leap for the 3×3 full-court league that lets its athletes truly own a piece of the action. With record-setting salaries and fun ideas like that epic 1-on-1 tournament, Unrivaled has made itself a can’t-miss, unique option for women’s basketball fans once the WNBA season wraps up.
Built By Players, Now Valued Like Crazy
We’ve seen leagues try and falter, right? Athletes Unlimited, born in 2022, is actually hitting pause in 2027 to regroup. But Unrivaled? They’re sprinting ahead in Year 3. This insane $650 million valuation comes straight from a Series C funding round. Unrivaled CEO Alex Bazzell, Mr. Napheesa Collier himself, hit it right on the head, saying this raise is “fueling the next stage of Unrivaled’s growth” and creating “lasting value and greater opportunity for the best players in the world,” while also “elevating the game for fans.” When you’ve got legendary names like former NBA player Carmelo Anthony, Washington Wizard Trae Young, and UConn head coach Geno Auriemma throwing their weight behind it, you know this league is doing something seriously different. It’s truly “built by players and for players,” just like Bazzell said, and their ambition is clearly paying off.
Superstar Talent Is Back For More
Now, let’s talk about the talent making this whole thing pop off. The 2027 season kicks off in January, and Unrivaled has already announced a monster lineup. Co-founders Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier are back. We’re talking 2026 WNBA All-Stars Aliyah Boston, Paige Bueckers, Sonia Citron, Kahleah Copper, Allisha Gray, Chelsea Gray, Rhyne Howard, Dominique Malonga, Kelsey Plum, and Jackie Young all returning, many on multiyear deals! The new blood? Kayla McBride is back after a season away, plus All-Stars Gabby Williams, Olivia Miles, and Jessica Shepard are joining, alongside Bridget Carleton, Marine Johannès, Kayla Thornton, and Flau’jae Johnson. That’s 46 players named so far, with two more to come, filling out eight clubs with 48 total ballers. They even took the show on the road in 2026 and are planning to do it more often. This roster? Absolutely insane, packed with the best in the game.
So, January 2027 can’t come fast enough, right? With a league that’s proving players truly matter, backed by serious cash and stacked with the absolute best talent on the planet, Unrivaled isn’t just surviving; it’s straight up thriving and redefining what’s possible in women’s basketball. Get ready for some groundbreaking hoops, because this league is just getting started, and they’re bringing everyone along for the ride.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Swish Appeal.
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