Napheesa Collier on what to expect from Unrivaled basketball league
Napheesa Collier chats with Mackenzie Salmon about the inspiration behind starting the new Unrivaled basketball league with Breanna Stewart.
Sports Seriously
MEDLEY, Fla. – As the inaugural Unrivaled season ends with Monday night’s championship game between the Rose and Vinyl, the women’s basketball league is already looking forward to Year 2 and beyond.
Unrivaled president Alex Bazzell told USA TODAY Sports the league has been “sustainable” in Year 1, though he did not disclose any financial details.
Bazzell said Unrivaled has averaged about 218,000 viewers on TNT/TruTV during its first season – still navigating its brand awareness among casual basketball fans not yet familiar with the alternative 3-on-3 women’s basketball league.
However, Unrivaled players have collectively gained 1 million followers on social media since the league began in mid-January, Bazzell said – a sign they’ve gained traction among supporters that could continue to build during the upcoming 2025 WNBA season.
“I think what’s most important is what we built here is sustainable. We have brought in the revenue. We have the best players in the world. We have the best brands in the world behind us. We have people who are investing in the best of the best, and I think we’re only just getting started,” Bazzell said during an interview this week.
“What we’re proud about is we built this runway. We don’t have to go year to…
