Unrivaled: Revolutionizing Women's Basketball with Player Ownership and Record Salaries
"Unrivaled" is set to launch in January 2025 as a groundbreaking new women's basketball league, co-founded by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier. This league, which features a 3-on-3 format, aims to provide a competitive platform for top women’s basketball players during the WNBA offseason while also offering unprecedented financial opportunities.
Player Participation and Ownership:
Unrivaled will feature 30 elite players, including notable WNBA stars like Kahleah Copper, Jewell Loyd, Arike Ogunbowale, Jackie Young, and Angel Reese. What sets this league apart is its innovative player-ownership model. Each player will receive an equity stake in the league, making them part-owners. This approach not only gives players a say in the league's direction but also allows them to build wealth beyond their playing careers. This model is designed to empower athletes by giving them a financial stake in the league's success.
Financial Structure and Salaries:
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Unrivaled is poised to offer the highest average salary in U.S. women's professional sports. While specific figures vary, reports suggest that the average salary will be in the six-figure range, which is competitive with or even higher than the average WNBA salary of approximately $130,000. This is a significant leap forward, as many WNBA players currently supplement their income by playing overseas during the offseason. By offering competitive salaries and ownership stakes, Unrivaled seeks to keep players in the U.S. and provide them with financial security.
Support and Investment:
The league has attracted investment from a diverse group of backers, including sports icons like Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan, and Carmelo Anthony, as well as celebrities such as Ashton Kutcher and Michelle Wie West. This broad support underscores the league's potential impact on women's sports and its ability to draw attention from both the sports and entertainment worlds.
"Unrivaled" is more than just another sports league—it's a bold new model for athlete empowerment and financial equity in women’s sports. By combining high-level competition with a player-first financial structure, it is set to redefine the landscape of professional women's basketball. Will you be watching?
