MEDLEY, Fla. — Unrivaled, a 3-on-3 basketball league founded by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, has made a resounding impact during its inaugural season, which concluded on March 17, 2025, with the Rose clinching the championship. Aimed at providing a domestic alternative for players, Unrivaled debuted in January 2025 amid significant growth and momentum in women’s sports.
With a vision to keep top talent competing and provide substantial salaries, Unrivaled showcased high-level basketball alongside its commitment to athlete development and fast-paced play. Throughout its eight-week season, the league boasted impressive viewership, averaging around 221,000 viewers on platforms like TNT and truTV, culminating in an eye-catching average of 364,000 viewers for its championship game.
The league's success didn't just end with the championship. It demonstrated a strong viewer engagement, reaching over 11.9 million total viewers across broadcasts and presenting some of the most-watched women’s basketball games ever. The final matchup between the Rose and the Vinyl peaked at 385,000 viewers, marking a staggering 99% increase from regular-season numbers.
One of the season’s highlights was the mid-season 1-on-1 tournament featuring 30 of the best players. This one-on-one competition captured attention not only for its quality of play but for its innovative format. The tournament showcased emerging star talent, including Napheesa Collier, who took home a historic prize of $200,000, the largest one-day payout in women’s basketball history. Collier, who was named the league's first MVP, expressed gratitude for her team’s support during the season: "This has been such an incredible season and everyone played a part in our success from the coaches to the staff behind the scenes," she remarked.
Chelsea Gray, the standout guard for the Rose, played a pivotal role in the title victory. Averaging 28 points and six assists during the postseason, Gray continues to defy expectations following a challenging previous season marred by injury. Following the championship win, Gray addressed her detractors with an unapologetic statement: "Keep that same energy, you know what I’m saying? I got the receipts who's talking sh**." Her spirited performance resonated with fans and helped solidify the Rose’s championship legacy.
Additionally, the league’s financial footprint has been impressive, with player salaries averaging over $220,000, making it the highest average for any professional women's sports league. The overall player compensation reached over $8.65 million through salaries, the 1-on-1 tournament, and championship winnings, showcasing Unrivaled’s commitment to bolstering its players' financial prospects. Each player on the title-winning Rose squad took home $50,000, further enhancing the appeal of the league to prospective athletes.
Intriguingly, the league has garnered attention from notable investors, raising over $35 million from various sources, including high-profile figures like Stephen Curry, Dawn Staley, and Coco Gauff. This impressive backing not only funds player salaries but also supports a vision for the league’s sustainable future within the sports ecosystem.
Social media engagement has seen dramatic growth, with Unrivaled's accounts attracting almost 400,000 followers, while the 36 participating players collectively gained nearly 1 million followers since the season began in January. This surge in fan interaction illustrates the increasing popularity and visibility of women’s sports. As Alex Bazzell, Unrivaled’s president, summed up the season's success: "We’ve built an incredible foundation. Now it’s our job to — how do we grow that a bit?"
Moving forward, Unrivaled is poised to maintain its presence in Miami with plans to explore potential expansions without sacrificing player salaries. The league aims to expand while continuing to nurture player recognition and professional growth within women’s sports. With an existing fan base and proven viewership metrics, Unrivaled is paving the way for a brighter future for women’s basketball.
As Collier and Stewart’s vision unfolds, it’s clear that Unrivaled isn’t just a league; it’s a movement trying to redefine what women's sports can achieve. With its first season under its belt and countless lessons learned, the league is on the cusp of transforming the landscape of women’s professional basketball.
