Here are four ways Unrivaled could change the WNBA

Breanna Stewart, a standout player for the New York Liberty, embarked on a groundbreaking journey near the end of 2022 that would forever change the landscape of professional women’s basketball. It all started with a meeting at a New York City steakhouse where she was presented with a revolutionary idea by Alex Bazzell, the husband of Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier.

The concept was Unrivaled, a professional women’s 3×3 league that promised to offer the highest salaries in American women’s team sports. Intrigued by the proposal, Stewart, along with Collier, decided to co-found the league, paving the way for a new era in women’s basketball.

As Unrivaled approaches the end of its inaugural 10-week season, Stewart reflects on the journey from that fateful meeting to the upcoming championship game. The league has already made a significant impact, with four out of six teams competing in the semifinals on Sunday.

One of the key aspects that sets Unrivaled apart is its commitment to elevating players’ experiences across all professional women’s basketball. With record viewership in the WNBA and a growing interest in women’s sports, Stewart believes that Unrivaled has the potential to push the boundaries even further.

Here are a few ways in which Unrivaled could influence the WNBA:

1. Raise salaries and provide players equity:
Unrivaled set a new standard by offering record salaries, averaging around $220,000 per player, and providing player equity, a concept that the WNBA currently does not offer. As negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement between the WNBA and Women’s National Basketball Players Association continue, the players’ focus on higher salaries has been amplified by Unrivaled’s groundbreaking approach.

2. Improved amenities and added childcare:
Unrivaled’s focus on prioritizing the player experience could influence the WNBA to enhance its offerings. With state-of-the-art facilities and robust childcare options, Unrivaled has set a new benchmark for player amenities. The league’s commitment to providing a nurturing environment for players and their families could inspire similar initiatives in the WNBA.

3. More partnership opportunities:
Unrivaled has successfully brokered partnerships with several companies new to women’s basketball, showcasing the potential for collaboration and growth in the sport. By engaging a diverse range of corporate sponsors, Unrivaled has opened up new avenues for brand partnerships in women’s sports, which could influence the WNBA to explore similar opportunities.

4. Upping offseason promotion:
Unrivaled’s innovative approach to offseason promotion has captured the attention of fans and players alike. By creating engaging content and fostering a sense of community among players, Unrivaled has set a new standard for offseason engagement. This focus on player personalities and social media presence could inspire the WNBA to enhance its offseason marketing efforts.

As Unrivaled continues to make waves in the world of women’s basketball, players and executives alike hope that the league will complement the WNBA and contribute to the overall growth of the sport. With plans for touring games and a focus on player feedback, Unrivaled’s impact on the WNBA and women’s basketball as a whole is bound to be significant.

In the words of Breanna Stewart, “We just want to make sure we’re growing the sport as a whole.” And with Unrivaled leading the way, the future of women’s basketball looks brighter than ever.