In basketball, moments of transformation often hinge on a single, pivotal play—a clutch three-pointer, a perfectly timed assist. Unrivaled, the new women’s 3-on-3 basketball league, has just played yet another game-changing move. With a $28 million Series A funding round and the star-studded duo of Candace Parker and Lisa Leslie at the helm of its studio show, the league is setting the stage for a new era in women’s basketball coverage. The question is, can this groundbreaking initiative redefine the sport’s narrative?

According to Howard Megdal, founder and editor at The Next Hoops, the league’s lineup is poised to make waves.

“First on @ForbesSports: the star power at @Unrivaledwbb for the studio show is overwhelming. Candace Parker, Renee Montgomery and more.” he posted on X, underscoring the excitement surrounding the league’s January 17 premiere. With Parker and Leslie joined by Renee Montgomery and Lauren Jbara, Unrivaled is drawing from some of the most accomplished voices in basketball to frame its story.

While Unrivaled won’t ride the Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese hype train this season—due to the Time Magazine Athlete of the Year sitting out—it has more than compensated by assembling a broadcast lineup that’s nothing short of a championship roster.

Leading the charge is Candace Parker, a 2x WNBA MVP, 3x WNBA champion, and the current President of Adidas Women’s Basketball. Partnering with her is Lisa Leslie, the first woman to dunk in a WNBA game, a Hall of Famer, 3x WNBA MVP, and 4x Olympic gold medalist.

Joining this powerhouse duo is Renee Montgomery, a former WNBA All-Star turned co-owner of the Atlanta Dream. Together, they bring expertise spanning championship glory, ownership acumen, and unmatched athleticism, promising fans an all-star guide through the league’s inaugural season.

In fact, their combination seems to have impressed Craig Barry, Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer of TNT Sports, so much that he stated “The additions of Candace, Renee, Lauren, and Leslie will jumpstart our exciting coverage with some of the best and biggest talent in the sport,” he said.

“Their transcendent knowledge of the game and scope of experience are going to bring this new league to life in important and unexpected ways.”

Barry’s words capture Unrivaled’s vision: a game-changing mix of action and insight. While the matchups dazzle, the voices redefine the game.

Candace Parker headlines Unrivaled’s star-studded broadcast team for a game-changing season

The opening night promises fireworks, with Napheesa Collier’s Lunar Owls facing off against Breanna Stewart’s Mist Basketball Club, followed by Angel Reese’s Rose Basketball Club taking on Arike Ogunbowale’s Vinyl Basketball Club. But beyond the action on the court, it’s the voices off of it that will shape how fans experience this revolutionary league.

Unrivaled’s mission is not only to showcase basketball but also to elevate its context. With a single-venue setup in Miami, the league offers a high-octane, 3-on-3 format that’s all about speed, strategy, and star power. Sideline reporters like Taylor Rooks and Ros Gold-Onwude ensure every moment—on and off the court—is captured, adding depth and dimension to the action.

The format’s smaller teams and shorter matchups promise a lightning-fast pace, creating a dream-team atmosphere that’s poised to draw in millions of viewers. Backing this innovation is an impressive roster of partners, including Wilson, Miller Lite, VistaPrint, State Farm, TNT Sports, Ally Financial, Ticketmaster, Under Armour, Mediapro North America, and Sephora.

But it doesn’t stop there. The league’s Series A funding has attracted a constellation of investors, from tennis phenom Coco Gauff to sports icons like Alex Morgan, Carmelo Anthony, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Michael Phelps.

Hollywood stars Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis, along with basketball legends like Dawn Staley, have also joined the movement. Together, their contributions helped Unrivaled secure $28 million in funding, cementing its place as a bold new chapter in women’s basketball.

For fans, players, and broadcasters alike, the stakes couldn’t be higher. As the league tips off, the collaboration between Candace Parker, Lisa Leslie, and the rest of the team represents more than just basketball. It’s a slam dunk for women’s sports, proving that with the right investments—both financial and human—the game can transcend boundaries and redefine itself for a new generation.