Unrivaled
Overview
Unrivaled is a new professional women's basketball league focused on delivering innovative opportunities for female athletes. Co-founded by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier in 2023, the league is based in Miami, Florida. It aims to offer the highest average salary in women's sports while granting players equity stakes in the league. Unrivaled has successfully secured $35 million in funding through seed and Series A rounds, supported by high-profile investors like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Michael Phelps, and Alex Morgan. The league is set to debut its inaugural season on January 17, 2025, with a unique 3-on-3 format that showcases the talents of six teams comprised of top women's basketball players globally.
Recent Developments
- December 2024: Unrivaled announced the closure of a $28 million Series A funding round, led by the Berman Family and including prominent figures such as Michael Phelps and Giannis Antetokounmpo, bringing the total capital raised to $35 million.
- October 2024: Unrivaled secured a multi-year broadcasting deal with TNT Sports, ensuring coverage of its games on TNT, truTV, and Max. This significant partnership also saw TNT invest in the league, bolstering its financial stability and media exposure.
- November 2024: The league revealed its team branding and announced plans for player equity and revenue sharing. It also signed an exclusive deal with Under Armour as the official uniform partner, enhancing its apparel offerings.
- August 2024: Paige Bueckers, a UConn basketball standout, became the first NCAA athlete to sign an NIL deal with Unrivaled, receiving an ownership equity stake in the league.
- July 2024: Unrivaled appointed Micky Lawler, former WTA president, as its commissioner, signaling its commitment to strategic leadership and operational excellence.
- January 2025: The league plans to launch with comprehensive training and competitive play in Miami, promising a new era for women's basketball and setting benchmarks for athlete compensation and league ownership.
Company Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | 2023 |
| Headquarters | Miami, Florida, USA |
| Founders | Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier |
| Revenue | N/A |
| Profits | N/A |
| Key Investors | Giannis Antetokounmpo, Michael Phelps, Avenue Capital Group, Warner Bros. Discovery |
| Industry | Sports, Basketball |
| Number of Employees | 5 |
Early History
Unrivaled was conceived by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier who saw the need for a professional league that would allow female athletes to play domestically and under conditions that prioritized their financial and professional growth. The league was publicly announced in 2023, with the aim of launching in January 2025. Stewart and Collier aimed to create a platform that would not only provide competitive playing opportunities in the U.S. during the WNBA's offseason but also compensate players at a level commensurate with their skills and contribute to their equity growth. Early investments came from notable sports figures and business leaders, which helped solidify its financial foundation and operational plans.
Company Profile and Achievements
Unrivaled's business model is revolutionary for women's sports, centering on player ownership and equity stakes. This unique structure aims to ensure that the athletes themselves have a vested financial interest in the league's success. The league's inception marks a significant step in the evolution of women's professional sports, specifically designed to elevate the financial and competitive standing of female basketball players.
- Achievements: Grossing $35 million in initial funding.
- Engagement with Top Investors: Successfully securing high-profile investors from various industries including sports icons and business magnates.
- Strategic Partnerships: Partnering with Under Armour for uniforms and securing broadcasting rights through TNT Sports enhances brand visibility and operational capacity.
- Talent Recruitment: Signing top women's basketball stars and securing landmark NIL deals exemplifies its appeal and commitment to athlete development.
Current Operations and Market Position
Unrivaled operates with a keen focus on developing a sustainable model that elevates women's professional basketball. The league's current operations are centered in Miami, Florida, preparing for its first competitive season starting January 2025. By offering the highest average salaries in women's sports, along with equity opportunities, Unrivaled positions itself as a leading force in redefining athletics. The strategic partnerships with TNT Sports and Under Armour further bolster its market position, ensuring extensive media coverage and top-notch sports apparel.
Conclusion
Unrivaled represents a pivotal shift in women's professional sports, offering a robust platform that marries athletic excellence with economic empowerment. Founded by Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, the league is set to deliver unprecedented opportunities for athletes through innovative compensation models and stakeholder equity. With strong financial backing and key partnerships, Unrivaled is poised to lead the charge in transforming how women's sports are viewed and valued globally. As it gears up for its inaugural season, its influence is expected to resonate profoundly, potentially setting new standards across all professional sports leagues.