The women’s 3×3 basketball league, Unrivaled, announced a groundbreaking $28 million Series A funding round, further solidifying its position as a trailblazer in professional sports. Combined with the $7 million raised in its seed round earlier this year, the league has secured $35 million in total funding in 2024 before its debut season.
Building the Future of Women’s Basketball
Unrivaled, co-founded in 2023 by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, is breaking barriers with its player-first approach. The league is player-owned, offering equity and vested interest to every athlete, creating a model that prioritizes the players’ success and long-term growth.
In a press release, Alex Bazzell, Unrivaled’s president, emphasized the league’s vision:
“Our players haven’t even taken the court yet, and the foundation we’re building unites unparalleled expertise, strategic insight, and an incredible product. Together, we’re setting the stage for Unrivaled for years to come.”
Star-Studded Investor Lineup
The Series A funding round attracted a high-profile group of investors, including:
- NBA champion Giannis Antetokounmpo
- 28-time Olympic medalist Michael Phelps
- Marc Lasry, private investor and sports team owner
- Dawn Staley, head coach of the University of South Carolina women’s basketball team
- JuJu Watkins, USC guard
Previous investors include soccer star Alex Morgan and actor Ashton Kutcher.
The funding round was led by the Berman family and also included Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), which signed a multiyear media rights deal to broadcast Unrivaled games on TNT, truTV, and the streaming platform Max.
Elevating Women’s Professional Sports
Unrivaled aims to set a new standard in women’s sports with:
- 36 top-tier players signed
- The highest average salaries across any women’s professional sports league
- Official partnerships, including Under Armour as the exclusive uniform provider
This model contrasts sharply with the WNBA, where superstar rookies like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese earned base salaries just over $70,000 in their first year—significantly less than NBA rookie contracts worth millions.
Mark Your Calendar: The Inaugural Season
Unrivaled’s highly anticipated inaugural season tips off on January 17, 2025, bringing a fresh perspective to women’s basketball and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in professional sports.
Key Takeaways:
- Total Funding: $35 million in 2024
- Launch Date: January 17, 2025
- Broadcast Partners: TNT, truTV, Max (via Warner Bros. Discovery)
- Uniform Partner: Under Armour
Unrivaled’s innovative approach and strong financial backing promise to revolutionize the landscape of women’s basketball. Stay tuned as the league ushers in a new era for women’s sports!
Source: NBC News
Leave a comment