Unrivaled truly set the tone for how successful a woman-owned professional sports league could be, and only the first two games have been played so far.
The women’s three-on-three basketball league launched its highly anticipated inaugural season on Friday, January 17, and it is living up to its stellar marketing hype. The opening game featured a thrilling matchup between Mist BC and the Lunar Owls BC. Owls’ Skylar Diggins-Smith put on a show that led to shooting a game-winning three, but it was a battle to victory.
From the first quarter, there were exciting moments, from blocks—or lockdowns—from DiJonai Carrington to Rickea Jackson shooting threes back-to-back.
Jewell Loyd also reminded everyone of her skills throughout the game, scoring 30pts.
The second game of the night featured Rose BC and Vinyl BC. Angel Reese got the first bucket for Rose, although they ultimately fell short of a win. Kahleah Copper and Chelsea Gray delivered stellar performances, each scoring over 20 points.
Rhyne Howard stood out for Vinyl BC, racking up an impressive 33 points out of the team’s 79-score win.
What is Unrivaled?
Unrivaled, a three-on-three professional women’s basketball league, was founded in 2023 by WNBA stars Naphessa Collier and Breanna Stewart. Their dedication to the sport and the players led them to create a league that provides athletes with the highest salaries and a way to work on their craft without playing overseas during the offseason.
How many teams are there? Who is participating in this league?
The league has six teams (basketball clubs): Laces, Lunar Owls, Rose, Vinyl, Mist, and Phantom. This inaugural season, the biggest names in women’s basketball are participating.
Laces BC: Jackie Young, Tiffany Hayes, Kayla McBride, Kate Martin, Alyssa Thomas and Stefanie Dolson.
Lunar Owls: Skylar Diggins-Smith, Courtney Williams, Allisha Gray, Cameron Brink, Napheesa Collier and Shakira Austin.
Rose BC: Chelsea Gray, Brittney Sykes, Kahleah Copper, Lexie Hull, Angel Reese and Azurá Stevens.
Vinyl BC: Arike Ogunbowale, Jordin Canada, Rhyne Howard, Rae Burrell, Aliyah Boston and Dearica Hamby.
Mist BC: Jewell Loyd, Courtney Vandersloot, DiJonai Carrington, Rickea Jackson, Breanna Stewart and Aaliyah Edwards.
Phantom BC: Sabrina Ionescu, Natasha Cloud, Marina Mabrey, Katie Lou Samuelson, Satou Sabally and Brittney Griner.
Where can I watch?
You can watch the games live on TNT Sports, truTV and stream on MAX.
Photo credit: Unrivaled
