The year 2024 was quite memorable for the world of women’s basketball; while one wouldn’t remember everything, the name Unrivaled would be striking to every fan. Unrivaled became the newest addition to the evolving game of hoops founded by two WNBA stars—Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx and Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty—who came together to announce a bold new vision for women’s basketball.

Since then, the league has quickly gained traction, with a growing roster of prominent players from across the WNBA signing on to be part of this exciting new chapter. The league is scheduled to tip off on January 17 in Miami. The league is bringing a fresh and exciting twist to basketball with its fast-paced 3×3 format. To truly appreciate what sets this game apart, let’s break down its unique point system and how it works during the group stage.

Expanding talent and revolutionizing 3×3 Women’s Basketball

Unrivaled initially planned to feature 30 of the top professional players in women’s basketball. But on October 31, Collier shared some exciting news, expanding the league to 36 players. The reason? They “outperformed our financial projections.” Paving the way for even more talent to join.

The roster was officially completed on December 23, with New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu joining as the 36th player. Unrivaled’s president, Alex Bazzell—who is also married to Collier—shared with Sportico that the league has even bigger dreams for the future, aiming to grow to eight teams and 48 players in the coming years.

What sets this league apart is that it follows a 3-on-3 format played on a slightly shorter full court. The court will be 70 feet long, about three-fourths the length of the WNBA’s 94-foot court, while the width will remain the standard 50 feet. Games will also feature four seven-minute quarters instead of the standard 10-minute quarters that are used in the WNBA. This faster pace perfectly matches the league’s compact and thrilling season structure.

The season will span ten weeks, including the playoffs and the 1v1 tournament, keeping the action compact and exciting. Each game night will feature two one-hour games alongside all six teams competing in a round-robin format. The regular season will conclude on March 10. At the end of the season, the top four teams in the standings will advance to the playoffs, which will be a high-stakes, single-elimination battle for the championship. As the season tips off, all eyes will be on key players like Angel Reese, whose performance will be a major highlight for fans eagerly waiting to connect with her new teammates.

Rivalries and new alliances

As one of the most dominant players in women’s basketball, Reese’s ability to influence the game through her relentless rebounding and defensive prowess has made her a standout, and her performance in the Unrivaled League is highly anticipated. It’s exciting to see how these star players will come together on the court for this new chapter in women’s basketball.

Though Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark have downplayed any rivalry talk, their connection is hard to ignore. Their fierce battles in the NCAA—especially during the high-profile matchups between LSU and Iowa—set the stage for a storyline that has now carried over to the WNBA. With their contrasting playing styles, fans can’t help but be drawn to the dynamic of these two stars, each carving out her legacy while fueling the excitement for what’s next.

The plot thickened further when it was revealed that Angel Reese, playing for Rose BC, would be joined by Lexie Hull—one of Caitlin Clark’s teammates on the Indiana Fever. Hull’s reputation as a sharpshooter adds a new layer to the mix, and with Reese’s dominant rebounding and ability to control the paint, the pairing creates an intriguing dynamic. Many are excited to see how their skills will come together, potentially making Rose BC one of the most formidable teams in the league. As these former NCAA rivals now share the court in a different setting, the anticipation grows for how they’ll perform on this new stage.

This innovative 3×3 format is poised to redefine the future of women’s basketball. With its fast-paced, dynamic style of play, the league offers fans a fresh perspective on the game. As players like Angel Reese and Lexie Hull come together, the excitement surrounding the league’s debut continues to build.