Unrivaled is quickly becoming the talk of the basketball world, and it’s no surprise why. The new 3-on-3 women’s league is making some serious waves, and it’s poised to make an even bigger splash with its debut season. What’s incredible is that it’s not just the players who are excited—coaches, investors, and basketball fans alike are all in.

The coaching lineup for this groundbreaking league is filled with big names. Among the star coaches is none other than former Chicago Sky head coach Teresa Weatherspoon and longtime NBA assistant Phil Handy. Handy, who’s worked with teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Toronto Raptors, is one of the most respected names.

He’s helped develop some of the biggest stars in the NBA, and now he’s bringing that expertise to Unrivaled. But guess what? At first, Phil Handy wasn’t even sure about joining the league. Why? When Unrivaled first reached out to him, he had no idea what it was all about. 

He admits he didn’t know much about the league or its mission. Handy recalled how his initial response was, “yeah, nah, I don’t think that’s for me.” But his business manager told him to take a second look, and after doing some research, Handy’s tune completely changed.

What he learned about Unrivaled blew him away. He now speaks highly of the league’s commitment to the players, the facilities, and the overall experience they’re providing. “Man, listen, they have spared no expense in putting this league together,” Handy said during Podcast P with Paul George. 

From top-tier salaries to an intimate arena in Miami, everything about Unrivaled feels like a first-class operation. “The salaries, the facilities, they are building an arena right now… We have a practice facility in Miami. Everything they’re doing is first class,” he shared.

The former NBA coach even talked about how the league is giving WNBA players the chance to stay in the U.S., train, and get paid without needing to go overseas during the off-season. It’s a win-win. The coach wrapped it up by saying he’s truly honored to be part of such a groundbreaking league. 

“It’s phenomenal, man, what they’re doing, and I’m actually honored and excited about being part of the part of the groundbreaking and the first season that they’re putting together for these women,” he expressed. And he’s not the only one who’s impressed. Unrivaled has already raised a total of $35 million in funding, which includes investments from major figures in basketball and beyond.

Unrivaled secures $35 million in funding

The big news dropped recently when Unrivaled announced it had secured $28 million in Series A funding, and it already had 7 million from their seed round. Among the high-profile investors are NCAA coaching legend Dawn Staley and rising star JuJu Watkins. Plus, NBA icon Giannis Antetokounmpo and Olympic champion Michael Phelps have also thrown their support behind the league.

And it doesn’t stop there. Unrivaled’s funding has exceeded its original goal. The Berman family, known for their credit card lending business, is one of the major contributors. Other big names backing the league include Marc Lasry, the former owner of the Milwaukee Bucks, and Linda Henry, a key figure at Fenway Sports Group. 

More than that, the Napheesa Collier-led league has also secured a huge media deal with TNT Sports. The deal ensures that the league’s games will be broadcast on major platforms like TNT, truTV, and Max, bringing this exciting new league into living rooms across the country. 

Not to forget, the league’s debut is just around the corner. Mark your calendars for January 17th because Unrivaled’s first season is about to kick off, and you won’t want to miss it. So, are you excited? Let us know in the comments below!