The first-ever domestic offseason women’s basketball league has officially tipped off, and it’s already getting nods from all across the hoop world. From NBA stars to college ballers, everyone’s hyped for Unrivaled. Even before the first dribble, the energy was real on social media, the games were almost sold out, and now social media chatter, even from the big names, can’t stop pouring in.

Friday night, the battle between the founders, Mist BC vs. Lunar Owls BC started with pregame intros in total All-Star Game vibes. Players strutted out from a centre-court stage, smoke show and all. Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier even paused for a quick pic with league commissioner Micky Lawler at halfcourt.

When the action kicked off, it was fireworks. Stewart’s Mist team had a 73-67 lead heading into the final stretch, but Skylar Diggins-Smith wasn’t having it. She went off for the Lunar Owls, dropping back-to-back threes, including a cold-blooded game-winner, sealing an 84-80 comeback. And she hit a shimmy at centre court after the shot.

Also, Jewell Loyd poured in 30 for the Mist, while Collier added 27 for the Lunar Owls in what turned out to be a fast-paced thriller. “This atmosphere was electric,” Diggins-Smith said after the game. “We’re going to celebrate this one tonight.” 

And the atmosphere had to be fire in an arena, packed to the brim with about 850 fans, all seated within 30 feet of the court. While they cheered with their all, everyone else hit up social media to join the hype.

“I love the concept“: Unrivaled sparks a basketball frenzy

Even in the middle of his rollercoaster season with the Phoenix Suns, Kevin Durant made time to shout out Unrivaled. “I love the concept of @Unrivaledwbb… it’s great seeing our pros hoopin’ on TV during the winter months,” he tweeted. I mean, think about it, earlier, players had to head overseas for offseason action. Now, we get all that talent packed into one league, and honestly, it’s a win for everyone who loves hoops.

And then there’s Flau’jae Johnson, who wrote, “Unrivaled is gas 😂😂🔥.” Even though she’s still balling in her junior season at LSU and not yet eligible to play, her NIL deal with the league gives her an equity stake in this groundbreaking venture. And indeed, she’s excited about what’s coming.

The USP has to the fast-paced and electric format just like sports journalist Holly Rowe said: “My early @Unrivaledwbb assessment. SUPER fun watch. Fast paced, exciting new player combos. Excellent skill showcase in 3×3 format. LOVING IT! Shot making & conditioning will improve. Refs we could use fewer stoppages 😊💙 #unrivaled.” 

Sure, it’s day one, so there’s room to fine-tune, but the product is already living up to the hype. Another sports enthu, Subria Whitaker was all in too, “It started off crazy after those first two buckets… but we here now!!! And I know it’s still kind of early. But Phee and Stewie DID THAT. Outstanding product overall so far. I’m in. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽.” 

As much as the league is about thrilling games, we know that it’s also about two stars turning a dream into reality. Fans have been waiting for something like this, and now that it’s here, it’s delivering big time.

Then you’ve got YouTuber TJ Keasal, who said, “Unrivaled feels like your workplace asking ‘what could we change to make you love coming to work every day?’ And then them over-delivering on every single front and then some with an insanely matched 401k.” 

That’s Unrivaled for us. It’s not just filling gaps but absolutely crushing it where the WNBA left room for improvement. And not to forget, this is just day one. There are two more days of action-packed games this week. Let’s see how Unrivaled keeps raising the bar.