Napheesa Collier Crowned Unrivaled League’s Inaugural MVP After Dominant Season
MEDLEY, Fla. – History has been made in the nascent Unrivaled women’s basketball league, and at the center of it all stands Napheesa Collier. The co-founder of the league, alongside fellow basketball star Breanna Stewart, Collier has etched her name into the history books by being named the league’s first-ever Most Valuable Player. This prestigious accolade comes on the heels of her victory in the league’s 1-on-1 tournament, showcasing her multifaceted talent and leadership both on and off the court.
The MVP announcement was met with roaring applause during a pregame ceremony held before the league’s highly anticipated semifinal playoff games on Sunday night. Collier, beaming with pride, jogged onto the stage, waving to the adoring fans who have witnessed her transformative impact on the league’s inaugural season.
Collier’s MVP title is a testament to her exceptional performance throughout the regular season. She led the league in scoring, averaging an impressive 25.7 points per game, while also proving her dominance on the boards, pulling down 10.6 rebounds per game, ranking fourth overall in the league. This remarkable combination of scoring prowess and rebounding tenacity placed her among an elite group of players, as she became one of only four athletes to average a double-double, alongside fellow stars Stewart, Alyssa Thomas, and Angel Reese.
Beyond her scoring and rebounding contributions, Collier’s impact extended to all facets of the game. Her efficiency was unmatched, leading the league with a remarkable 61.3 shooting percentage from the field. Defensively, she was a disruptive force, averaging two steals per game and co-leading the league with Brittney Griner in blocks, averaging 1.4 per game.
Collier’s individual brilliance translated directly into team success, as she spearheaded the Lunar Owls to the No. 1 overall seed in the postseason. The team’s dominance was evident in their impressive 13-1 regular season record, as they outscored their opponents by a staggering 170 points throughout the season.
The Unrivaled league commissioner, Micky Lawler, lauded Collier’s contributions, highlighting her role not only as a player but also as a visionary co-founder. "Phee, you are the queen of the highest court in the land," Lawler stated during the MVP ceremony. "That’s not only because of your remarkable achievements as a world-class top athlete, but also what you’ve co-created with Breanna Stewart. What you’ve co-created has changed the trajectory for your fellow players, for every stakeholder in basketball, and every lover in basketball. Unrivaled is going to be a very important chapter in sports history. Congrats on being our amazing first MVP of Unrivaled."
Adding to her already impressive list of accomplishments, Collier also emerged victorious in Unrivaled’s 1-on-1 tournament. Her path to the title was marked by a series of hard-fought battles, as she defeated Katie Lou Samuelson in the first round, Rickea Jackson in the second round, her Lunar Owls teammate Courtney Williams in the quarterfinal, and finally, Aaliyah Edwards in the final. Her victory not only secured her personal glory but also benefited her Lunar Owls teammates, as she earned $10,000 for each of them – Williams, Skylar Diggins-Smith, Allisha Gray, and Shakira Austin.
Despite being listed as questionable to play in Sunday’s semifinal game against the No. 4 Vinyl, Collier’s presence was felt as she appeared in uniform and took center stage during her MVP ceremony. Collier’s presence indicates the strength and the tenacity of the player that she is. The MVP announcement shows the important role that she plays in the league itself.
In her acceptance speech, Collier emphasized the importance of teamwork and acknowledged the contributions of her teammates and coaches. "I just have to say I wouldn’t be here without my team and my coaches," Collier said. "They pushed me everyday to be my best …. This is not a solo award. This is a team award, and I want to say ‘thank you’ to them."
Collier’s MVP award signifies not only her personal achievements but also the success and impact of the Unrivaled league itself. The league was founded with the goal of providing a platform for women’s basketball players to showcase their talent, earn fair compensation, and have more control over their careers. Collier’s leadership and on-court performance have been instrumental in achieving these goals, setting a high standard for future generations of players.
The Unrivaled league has quickly gained popularity among fans and players alike, thanks to its innovative format, high-level competition, and commitment to empowering women in sports. Collier’s MVP award is a testament to the league’s success and its potential to become a major force in the world of basketball.
As the Unrivaled league moves forward, Collier will undoubtedly continue to play a vital role in shaping its future. Her leadership, talent, and dedication to the game will inspire countless athletes and fans, solidifying her legacy as a true pioneer in women’s basketball. Collier represents what it means to work hard. This first season has been a success because of the hard work and dedication of Collier to make the league a better place.
The impact of Unrivaled goes beyond the court. It is creating opportunities for women in various roles, from coaches and referees to team managers and business executives. Collier’s success will also inspire young women to pursue careers in STEM fields, and to challenge stereotypes that limit their potential. As a co-founder, Collier has a unique opportunity to shape the league’s vision and mission, ensuring that it remains committed to its core values of inclusivity, equity, and excellence. The league has the potential to be a vehicle for social change, using basketball as a platform to raise awareness about important issues and promote equality for all.
Collier has a great impact on the world of women’s basketball and on future generations. Her MVP title not only recognizes her exceptional performance but also celebrates the collective achievements of the Unrivaled league and its unwavering commitment to empowering women in sports. Collier has already made history, and the journey has just begun.
