New League ‘Unrivaled’ Set to Transform Women’s Basketball Landscape
In a groundbreaking meeting late in 2022 that could reshape professional women’s basketball, WNBA star Breanna Stewart gathered with Alex Bazzell at a New York City steakhouse. Bazzell, husband of Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier, proposed a revolutionary idea: a professional women’s 3×3 basketball league named Unrivaled, aimed at keeping top female talent in the U.S. during the winters instead of overseas. Stewart’s immediate enthusiasm for the project led her to co-found the league, and now, as the inaugural season nears its end, Unrivaled is already making significant waves.
Stewart reflected on the journey so far, stating how far the league has come since that initial meeting, particularly as the semifinals are set to take place this Sunday. Despite the elimination of her team, Stewart remains optimistic about Unrivaled’s potential to enhance the overall experience for female basketball players across all leagues.
The WNBA recently enjoyed a historic season, with record viewership and attendance figures. Yet, as Stewart points out, Unrivaled aims to elevate the landscape further. “We’re uplifting the standard by just showing that when you invest and get behind us, anything is possible,” she said, echoing principles that align closely with a biblical understanding of stewardship and community support.
Supporting Athletes: A Commitment to Growth and Equity
One of the key contributions of Unrivaled is its approach to player compensation, offering average salaries of around $220,000 and providing equity—benefits not yet extended by the WNBA. This sets a new precedent during a time when WNBA players are negotiating for better financial terms. “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed,” reminds us in Proverbs 11:25. This principle of mutual support is crucial in fostering a sense of community and fairness within the sport.
Investing in the Athlete Experience
Unrivaled has also prioritized improving players’ experiences with top-notch facilities and childcare options. Creating an environment where athletes can thrive—both professionally and personally—reflects a commitment to nurturing talent. As player Rhyne Howard puts it, “We’re taking the things we like here and we’re going to tell our ownership,” indicating a proactive approach to building a better future for women’s sports.
Creating Partnerships for Lasting Impact
The league’s innovative business model has attracted partnerships with brands new to women’s sports, showcasing the synergy that arises when athletes and businesses align their goals. This collaboration echoes the biblical teaching of doing good together, as highlighted in Ecclesiastes 4:9: “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.” By pulling together resources, Unrivaled is fostering a community that champions female athletes.
Maintaining Visibility in Offseason
Most impressively, Unrivaled has ensured that top players remain visible year-round, bridging the gap between the WNBA seasons. With players clustered together, content and familiar personalities keep fans engaged during the offseason. This proactive effort to maintain visibility and community is akin to the Christian calling to be a light in the world (Matthew 5:14).
A Harmonious Future for Women’s Basketball
As Unrivaled prepares for its championship and plans for future seasons, its leadership view that this league is meant to complement the WNBA is encouraging. Stewart hopes that what they’ve learned from Unrivaled positively influences the WNBA, forging a more unified approach to women’s sports.
The developments within Unrivaled serve as a broader reminder of the importance of collaboration, compassion, and community—principles that resonate deeply with the gospel. As we watch this new chapter unfold in women’s basketball, may we reflect on how we can support one another in our endeavors and communities, embodying the spirit of teamwork and dedication to uplift one another.
Ultimately, as you consider the unfolding story of Unrivaled and its impact, think about how you, too, can invest in the communities around you—cultivating a spirit of generosity that can yield fruitful results for everyone. The continued growth of women’s sports offers a remarkable opportunity for all to be part of impacting lives positively, mirroring the profound lessons taught by Jesus.
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