In a significant stride towards reshaping women’s basketball, the startup league Unrivaled recently announced the successful closure of a $28 million Series A funding round. Set to kick off its inaugural season soon, Unrivaled has quickly garnered attention, not only for the financial backing it has secured but also for its commitment to empowering female athletes. This new league, co-founded by established WNBA players, aims not just to offer competitive play, but also to create a player-driven model that gives athletes an unprecedented stake in their organization.
With total funding reaching $35 million since its inception, Unrivaled demonstrates a strong foundation for its upcoming endeavors. The initial $7 million seed round in May laid the groundwork, bolstered by influential figures in the sports world during the Series A funding. Under the leadership of notable investors such as NBA champion Giannis Antetokounmpo and 28-time Olympic medalist Michael Phelps, the league has attracted a high-profile roster of backers. These investors not only bring financial resources but also invaluable strategic insight that could pave the way for the league’s future success.
At its core, Unrivaled heralds a new approach to women’s professional basketball by prioritizing player equity and involvement. This player-owned model allows athletes to possess a vested interest in the league, a distinctive shift from traditional sports structures where owners often hold unilateral control. Co-founders Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier advocate for this innovative philosophy, ensuring that the 36 top players already signed are not just participants but stakeholders in the league’s success.
An impressive aspect of Unrivaled is its commitment to offering competitive salaries that surpass those currently available in women’s professional sports. In stark contrast to the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), where rookie contracts tend to hover around the $70,000 mark, Unrivaled promises higher average salaries, emphasizing its goal of financial equality for women in sports. This commitment to better pay for female athletes could serve as a catalyst for attracting top talent and fostering a sustainable league.
The league’s partnerships are another testament to its ambition and foresight. By securing Under Armour as its official uniform partner and a multi-year media rights agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery, Unrivaled is positioned to gain significant visibility in the sporting world. The partnerships ensure that games will be broadcast across major platforms, such as TNT and truTV, as well as available for streaming through Max. These avenues for exposure are vital for a startup league aiming to captivate a broad audience from day one.
As Unrivaled prepares for its first season starting January 17, the excitement surrounding the league signifies a transformative moment in women’s basketball. With a solid financial foundation, a progressive player-driven model, and strategic partnerships, Unrivaled could set a new precedent in the sports industry. Whether it can maintain this momentum and attract a loyal fanbase remains to be seen, but the league’s ambitious vision offers hope for a brighter future for women’s sports. The stakes are high, and the basketball world will be watching closely.