Unrivaled: Elevating Women’s Basketball and Challenging the Status Quo
MEDLEY, Fla. – WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has expressed her support for Unrivaled, the groundbreaking women’s 3-on-3 basketball league that offers an alternative offseason option for WNBA players. Engelbert recently attended Unrivaled games, witnessing firsthand the league’s commitment to providing a high-quality platform for women’s basketball.
Partnerships and Progress
Unrivaled’s co-founder, Breanna Stewart, welcomed Engelbert’s visit and emphasized the potential for collaboration between the two leagues. "Both leagues can have success and continue to uplift one another," Stewart said. She believes that Unrivaled showcases the hard work and dedication of its players and sets an example for the WNBA in investing in facilities and resources.
Player Empowerment and Equity
During its inaugural season, Unrivaled has prioritized player empowerment and equity. WNBA stars like Stewart and fellow co-founder Napheesa Collier have been vocal advocates for fair compensation and adequate facilities. Unrivaled players receive equity in the league, and their average salary of over $220,000 approaches the maximum base salary in the WNBA.
Collier, who won $200,000 in Unrivaled’s 1-on-1 tournament, highlighted the disparity in pay between the leagues. "My entire WNBA salary is what I got for 30 minutes of playing 1-on-1," she said. This statement underscores the need for continued progress in the WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement negotiations.
Exceptional Facilities and Resources
In addition to its main court, Wayfair Arena, Unrivaled’s Miami facility boasts a practice court, a fully equipped weight room, a training room for rehabilitation, and even an area for childcare. Rose guard Lexi Hull praised the amenities, stating, "I think across the league, that’s all we can hope for as a basketball player."
Hull believes that Unrivaled’s commitment to providing top-notch facilities and resources should extend to the WNBA. "Hopefully that can transition into the WNBA," she said.
Rising Profile and Expansion
The WNBA has garnered significant attention in recent years, particularly with the addition of star players like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. The league’s 2023 postseason was its most-watched in 25 years, and expansion franchises are planned in Portland and Toronto.
The players are eager to see these successes translate into improved conditions for them. Natasha Cloud, a Phantom player at Unrivaled, said, "We want our money and we want it now… We’ve done a really good job over the last few years of growing, but there’s so much room left to grow."
Cloud believes that Unrivaled is setting a precedent for prioritizing players and creating a league that truly values their contributions. She hopes it will inspire other leagues to follow suit.
Unrivaled’s Impact on the Future of Women’s Basketball
Unrivaled’s success has the potential to reshape the landscape of women’s basketball. It offers a platform for players to showcase their skills and earn fair compensation. By investing in facilities and empowering its players, Unrivaled is not only providing an alternative offseason option but also challenging the status quo and pushing for a more equitable future for women’s basketball.
