WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert had already been feeling the pressure, and Sabrina Ionescu just raised the stakes. In its debut season, Unrivaled has surged in popularity, emerging as more than just an offseason option—it’s now a direct challenger to the WNBA’s dominance. With Ionescu pushing for expansion, the league’s momentum is undeniable, forcing Engelbert to confront a growing threat she can no longer afford to ignore.

According to a recent post on X by Moreau Sports Media Prod Co., “Sabrina Ionescu speaks about having Unrivaled next season potentially playing in Barclays Center in New York City.” In the accompanying clip, Ionescu didn’t hold back:

“To be able to do what we’ve done here in year one and for it to be that successful, it’s kind of hard to top because obviously there’s so much that could go wrong and so much that can go right, and everyone here kind of bought into making sure that it goes right. And so I think obviously the direction that it’s headed is like, let’s get more people, let’s get more teams, let’s play in cities, let’s be able to showcase to the world what we’re able to do here.”

She went a step further, making her ambitions clear: “I’d love to play at Barclays Center. I think that would be awesome. You could sell out arenas and bring teams to different markets and be able to showcase what we’re doing in this league to the fans across the world.”

That’s a bold vision. Barclays Center, home to the Brooklyn Nets and New York Liberty, boasts a seating capacity of 17,732 for basketball games—a massive leap from Unrivaled’s current cap of just 900 fans per game. But with every game selling out, it’s clear the demand is there. For now, Unrivaled is playing it safe, ensuring full crowds rather than half-empty arenas. But Ionescu’s push for expansion suggests it won’t be long before the league upsizes, proving that its success isn’t a fluke—it’s a movement. And if Engelbert and the WNBA aren’t paying attention yet, they should be.

On the other hand, in terms of digital viewership, January and February saw the league averaging 181,000 viewers per night on cable, proving its staying power. Friday nights remain the crown jewel, pulling in 238,000 viewers on TNT, while Monday nights hover around 170,000. TruTV broadcasts still lag, averaging 120,000-130,000, but the overall trend suggests consistent engagement. Special events, including the 1v1 Tournament and marquee matchups, have delivered strong performances, occasionally crossing 290,000 viewers. While streaming data remains elusive, estimates put the total nightly audience in the 200,000-250,000 range, further cementing Unrivaled as a rising force in televised sports. (Estimates calculated by us are derived from reports from thetvratingsguide.com.)

Engelbert, too, could not help but see it for herself in person. She attended an Unrivaled game on a Monday night, watching from a VIP box near Unrivaled president Alex Bazzell and commissioner Micky Lawler. “We’re really happy to welcome Cathy to be here,” said Unrivaled co-founder Breanna Stewart, whose Mist team secured a 65-49 win that night. “Both leagues can have success, and both leagues can continue to uplift one another. I hope she just sees how hard we’re working to really put great product on and off the court here.”

While Stewart remained diplomatic, others have been more pointed in their criticisms of the WNBA’s structures, especially the financial ones.

From paychecks to perks: Why Unrivaled’s model puts the WNBA on notice

The disparity in pay between the two leagues is stark. The average Unrivaled salary surpasses $220,000—approaching the WNBA’s maximum base salary. Napheesa Collier, another Unrivaled co-founder, illustrated this with a blunt comparison after winning the 1v1 tournament hosted by Unrivaled: “My entire WNBA salary is what I got for 30 minutes of playing 1-on-1 – which is insane to even say.”

Beyond salaries, Unrivaled’s infrastructure has drawn praise. With top-tier facilities, including a practice court, weight room, rehab area, and even childcare services, it offers players an environment designed for success. “I think just the amenities and the facilities that are provided for every single person here… everyone’s given exactly what they need to be the best basketball player they can be,” said Lexi Hull of the Rose.

Natasha Cloud, who played for the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury before being traded to the Connecticut Sun, didn’t mince words: “We want our money and we want it now. It’s just ultimate investment… I think Unrivaled is just doing a good job of setting the precedence for all leagues across the board to really talk that talk, and walk that walk.”

Engelbert’s visit to an Unrivaled game suggests she’s paying attention, but attention alone won’t be enough. The clock is ticking, and Ionescu’s call for expansion isn’t just a request—it’s a warning shot. Unrivaled is no longer just an offseason attraction; it’s a movement. If Engelbert doesn’t act fast, she may find that the walls closing in on her are part of Unrivaled’s growing empire.