Unrivaled League Poised for Growth After Promising Inaugural Season
MEDLEY, Fla. – With the championship game looming between the Rose and Vinyl, marking the conclusion of its first season, the Unrivaled women’s basketball league is already setting its sights on a future marked by expansion and enhanced player experience. League president Alex Bazzell, in an interview, expressed confidence in the league’s sustainability, highlighting key achievements and outlining ambitious plans for Year 2 and beyond.
While refraining from divulging specific financial figures, Bazzell emphasized that Unrivaled has achieved a "sustainable" model in its initial season. He cited an average viewership of approximately 218,000 on TNT/TruTV as a testament to the league’s growing appeal. Acknowledging the ongoing process of building brand awareness, particularly among casual basketball enthusiasts unfamiliar with the unique 3-on-3 format, Bazzell remains optimistic about attracting a broader audience.
One of the most significant indicators of Unrivaled’s burgeoning success is the substantial increase in its players’ social media following. Since the league’s inception in mid-January, Unrivaled athletes have collectively amassed over one million new followers, demonstrating their rising popularity and connection with fans. This surge in online engagement suggests a growing base of supporters who could further propel the league’s momentum during the upcoming 2025 WNBA season.
Bazzell emphasized the league’s focus on long-term viability. "What’s most important is what we built here is sustainable," he stated. "We have brought in the revenue. We have the best players in the world. We have the best brands in the world behind us. We have people who are investing in the best of the best, and I think we’re only just getting started."
The league’s commitment to stability extends beyond financial considerations. Bazzell underscored the importance of creating a solid foundation that eliminates the need for constant reinvention. "What we’re proud about is we built this runway," he explained. "We don’t have to go year to year and figure out, How do we keep the lights on? We are going to be here for a while. We are going to be here with the best of the best, and we’re going to make sure that we push the boundaries forward on what the resources look like for the players. And I think that’s what is always going to kind of where we’re going to plan our flag is, as long as we exist."
A key aspect of Unrivaled’s operational strategy is its centralized location, which allows the league to minimize costs associated with managing multiple franchises in different cities. In Year 2, Unrivaled will continue to operate at Mediapro Miami, a state-of-the-art production studio situated near Miami International Airport.
Recognizing the importance of expanding its reach and engaging with a wider audience, Unrivaled plans to introduce offsite visits to other markets across the United States. While the specific locations remain undisclosed, Bazzell indicated that the league is targeting areas outside of existing WNBA markets, including expansion cities such as Golden State, Toronto, and Portland.
"We love being in Miami. We love serving the community. We also have an obligation to get our product and, honestly, get our players in front of bigger crowds," he said. "So, we want to go to larger venues. Call it 15,000- or 20,000-seat venues, going to different markets. Our brands would love to do it. We know Turner would love to do it. We have an obligation to help grow the ecosystem and the fandom of women’s basketball."
For the second season, Unrivaled will maintain its structure of six teams – Lunar Owls, Rose, Laces, Vinyl, Mist, and Phantom. However, the league intends to expand its player pool by adding at least six to eight athletes. "We certainly will have more players on-site next year than we did this year, but we’ll stick with six teams," Bazzell confirmed.
Unrivaled also plans to enhance the fan experience at its home base by increasing the seating capacity of Wayfair Arena, the league’s main court. While prioritizing intimacy, the league aims to add 100 to 150 seats to accommodate growing demand. "I think the big thing that separates us is how intimate it is. We want to keep that. We don’t want to be too big. But I think adding anywhere from 100 to 150 seats is probably a priority for us moving into next season," Bazzell said.
Recognizing the importance of player comfort and well-being, Unrivaled is also addressing logistical considerations to improve the overall atmosphere. Specifically, the league plans to create more separation between player locker rooms to provide teams with greater privacy, particularly after games. "It’s tough when you’re right next to a team. They come in and celebrate, and you have to hear through the walls when you just lost the game," Bazzell explained. "That isn’t a huge thing to fix, but it adds the overall experience of the best players wanted to be here, feeling comfortable, feeling like it’s a great atmosphere."
Unrivaled envisions itself as an "informal partner" with the WNBA, providing an alternative for women’s basketball players to remain stateside during the offseason instead of competing abroad. This arrangement benefits players by allowing them to stay closer to home while continuing to develop their skills and maintain their visibility.
The Unrivaled model is unique in that the players are partners with equity in the league, not employees. The fast-paced, competitive 3-on-3 format has injected fresh energy into the American women’s basketball landscape. "I think we’re ecstatic with everything that we’ve done. There’s a lot of unknowns when you come into a new league, a new format of basketball, a bunch of players who really don’t play together — how they’re going to mix coaches they haven’t worked with before. A lot of variables, right? Like, a lot of ways that things can go wrong," Bazzell acknowledged. "But inevitably, it all meshed and kind of fit perfectly. It’s almost like it was destined to be."
Bazzell concluded by expressing his gratitude to the players for their grace and understanding during the inaugural season. "I think first and foremost, the thing we’re most proud about is we didn’t get everything right in Year 1, but the players have shown so much grace. … The foundation that we’ve laid is somewhat unparalleled in terms of a Year 1 kickoff. So, we’re really proud of what we’ve done, and obviously we still have some work to do." The league’s focus remains on creating a sustainable, player-centric environment that promotes growth, innovation, and the continued advancement of women’s basketball.
