Less than a week to go, and your favorite WNBA stars are about to hit the court for Unrivaled, the most anticipated off-season league. Sure, we’ve all seen the social media buzz about the teams, the reunions, and the behind-the-scenes fun. Thanks to our basketball stars’ socials! 

But let’s get into what really is the core: the format, the court, and everything that makes this league a game-changer. Excited? You should be! 

Know the court Size, format, structure & more

So, one of the most unique aspects of Unrivaled is the court itself. The court’s width is the same as what you’d see in the WNBA, NBA, college, or even high school—50 feet wide. But it’s shorter than any of those. Instead of the usual 94-foot length used in pro and college games, or even the 84-foot length for high school, this court is just 70 feet long. 

Compact and efficient. Just the way Napheesa Collier put it ‘normal basketball, but with more spacing.’ 

Moreover, unlike the half-court games in FIBA 3×3 basketball, Unrivaled will be played on a full court, complete with baskets at each end. This change means end-to-end sprints, fast breaks, and non-stop energy, all in a tighter space that keeps things intense.

Format and structure

Wondering how this league is organized? Trust us, it’s totally fresh. 

The games are played in four seven-minute quarters, which might sound short, but when you throw in a three-second shot clock, things get a little fun. Yes, you heard that right. Three seconds to get your shot off. This rule alone guarantees quick decisions, faster plays, and barely any downtime.

The league’s first season runs for eight weeks, including the playoffs. During the regular season, the six teams will play in a round-robin format, with each team playing 14 games. At the end of the regular season, the top four teams move on to the single-elimination semifinals on March 16. 

And the winners of those games will face off in a winner-takes-all final on March 17, set for 7:30 PM ET. Mark your calendar! Not to forget, there’s also a one-on-one tournament happening from February 10-14, with a whopping $250,000 prize for the winner. 

As for the rules, we just have two major ones: 

• Foul Limits: Stricter foul limits to keep players disciplined.
• Shot Values: Points for shots made outside the key vary.

Which ball Is to be used for the Inaugural season?

Unrivaled has teamed up with Wilson to create the EVO NXT basketball. A sleek blue-and-white look that aligns with Unrivaled’s branding, complete with the league’s official logo. And it’s got all the bells and whistles:

• Extended range technology
• Moisture-wicking surface
• Soft touch and enhanced grip

What’s more, it’s the same size as the standard WNBA basketball, with a 29.5-inch circumference and a diameter between 9.43 and 9.51 inches. The league has surely paid attention in detail to almost everything. That reminds us of the custom-built venue. Located just outside Miami, this facility is designed to offer both players and fans a top-class experience.

A peek at Unrivaled’s customized venue

Before Week 1 of Unrivaled begins, you must know that the league has gone all out with its custom-built facility in Miami. They started from scratch back in mid-November and had just six weeks to get it ready for the season opener. Still, the results are pretty mind-blowing.

The venue is a state-of-the-art 850-seat facility designed to make both players and fans feel like VIPs. As President of Basketball Operations Luke Cooper said, “The furthest seat from the court is 32 feet.” Every seat is either courtside or elevated courtside, so no one’s too far from the action. 

And they didn’t cut corners when it came to player amenities. There’s a 3,000-square-foot weight room, a recovery zone with hot and cold tubs, a Therabody room for recovery, and even a glam room designed by Sephora. And not to forget the esthetician room for facials and skin care. Because why not?

Moreover, they’ve got a “Hype Hall” (think red carpet vibes), family rooms, a nursery, a nursing room, a content creation hub, and six upscale locker rooms with power strips at every cubicle. Plus, a mobile medical unit is on standby for injuries. Truly, the Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier-founded really went all-in on player welfare.

As Alex Bazzell, Unrivaled’s president, put it, “We can’t cut corners when it comes to the player experience.” And by the way, they’re less than seven miles from Miami International Airport, so getting there is super easy.

As for the seating capacity, the new league is a different route with its seating capacity. The 850-seat venue is definitely on the smaller side, but that’s part of the plan. It all boils down to prioritizing the media rights deal with TNT Sports. This deal is huge for them, and they’ve got the perfect setup to bring in ratings. Plus, the league execs have already mentioned that they might take the games on the road in Year 2.

So, are you ready for the first thrilling week? The very first day of the season is going to be a battle between the league’s founders. Stewie and her team, Mist BC, will go head-to-head with Phee and her Lunar Owls BC. Tune in on TNT OR TruTV!