When the Unrivaled 3×3 league was formed, it was done to provide an income source to the W stars, who used to go abroad during the off-season. As we approach the inaugural season of the league that is set to tip off on January 17 next year, the league has somewhat revolutionized the sport, being the only league so far that is co-owned by players- Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier and acknowledging the same, Unrivaled’s EVP Clare Duwelius shed light on the unique aspects of the league.

On Friday’s episode of The Athletic Women’s Basketball show, Duwelius shared how players run the league and why they chose a player-centric operational format.

“I mean, number one, it is another reason why this league and the opportunity appeals to me because as long as I have been involved in professional sports, something that’s been of paramount importance to me is the player experience, and like also being player-centric. So the fact that it is run by the players, it is for the players, and all of those things are really important to me,” Duwelius stated. Apart from being founded by two players, Phee and Stewie, who are set to participate in the league, the 3×3 league also offers its player equity in the revenue. This makes it the first league to incorporate such a unique procedure, which makes it the best alternative for athletes looking to earn extra bucks during the offseason in the USA.

“And I think they’re the reason why we see all the success and kind of the interest b0om is that they’re spectacular. So just kind of having that mindset and that you know they’re first. We put them first in every decision we make, every single conversation we have, every call we are on, it’s like how will this impact the players,” Duwelius added. The Miami-based league also has all salaries above $1 million, which is being lauded for providing what is considered fair compensation for 3 months of participation.

“And that it is any different than my approach, you know, in my former life, I mean, you know, it’s nice that it’s like benchmarked for us, and we constantly talk about it,” Duwelius concluded. Other than offering the highest salary in women’s sports history, the league’s President is Phee’s husband, Alex Bazzell, which again shows that they want to concentrate on their players instead of making the executive position holders the top priority.

Alex Bazzell also stressed that Unrivaled is changing the market

Set to tip off on January 17, the league has already made live the tickets to the games. 6 teams have been announced, and 30 players have been drafted with 2 spots left. The league has also inked a media rights deal with TNT and will be live on TV on Monday and Friday nights, whereas one can catch glimpses on Saturday nights at TruTV.

“What we’ve always said is, we don’t want to disrupt the growth of the sport… We are paying aggressively, resetting the market, we are proud of those things. … And I think everyone wants the same things, which is, stay home, stay visible, stay rested,” Bazell had previously commented on the standards they were setting for other leagues. And surely they seem to be successful. First, they expanded the number of players from 30 to 36. Then, their tickets are also sold at a high resale value. Looks like fans are excited to be a part of history.

And with Duwelius stressing the importance of providing value for players, it surely is going to be a spectacle for both fans and teams. Meanwhile, it remains to be who they will draft for the next two vacant spots.