Unrivaled: The Game-Changing Women’s Basketball League
A New Era in Women’s Sports
The wait is finally over! Unrivaled, a revolutionary 3-on-3 women’s professional basketball league, is set to tip off, marking a significant milestone in the growth of women’s sports in the United States. Co-founded by WNBA superstars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, the league has already secured deals with a dozen sponsors and raised an impressive $35 million in funding.
A League with Immense Potential
Collier believes that the league has immense potential and opportunity, citing the significant return on investment in women’s sports. “When you invest in the players and invest in women’s sports, I think we’re seeing the return already,” she said. “This is just the beginning for us. It’s year one, and we’ve already been able to do this, so we’re really excited for the future.”
TV Ratings and Demographics
TV ratings will play a crucial role in the league’s success, with a focus on demographics, according to Lee Berke, president and CEO of sports consulting firm LHB Sports, Entertainment & Media. “You’re looking for audiences that skew younger, men and women watching, you’re looking for the size of the audience,” Berke said.
The Inaugural Season
The inaugural season will feature six teams playing against each other for two months, culminating in a four-team playoff tournament. Games will be played in a 3-on-3 format on a smaller court, lasting one hour, and will be broadcast on TNT, TruTV, and streamed on WBD’s Max.
Filling the Gap in the Calendar
Unrivaled aims to fill the gap in the calendar for WNBA players, providing an alternative to playing overseas during the offseason. The league will pay many players a higher salary than the WNBA, with a total salary pool of over $8 million, averaging out to about $242,000 per player this season.
High-Profile Investors and Corporate Partners
Unrivaled has attracted high-profile investors, including basketball stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Carmelo Anthony, Olympians Alex Morgan and Michael Phelps, and tennis great Coco Gauff. The league’s corporate partners, including Sephora, State Farm, Wilson, Ally Financial, and Samsung, align with their vision of growing the sport.
A New Era in Women’s Basketball
Unrivaled’s debut comes amid a surge in national interest in women’s sports, particularly basketball. The WNBA has enjoyed a significant increase in viewership and attendance, and the league is poised to cash in on the momentum. Unrivaled will have a significant impact on the business of women’s basketball, according to Collier, who believes that the league will expand the landscape and push for higher wages and more benefits for players.
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