The basketball fans are soon to be amazed by a new basketball spectacle. “Unrivaled”. The brainchild of UConn teammates Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier happens to be a new women’s basketball competition aiming to provide some off-season entertainment to the passionate supporters of the sport. Moreover, it will also be a suitable alternative for the WNBA athletes to play at home instead of representing the overseas franchises.

While we know the fact that the current participant list includes Angel Reese, Stewart, Collier, Kelsey Plum, Rhyne Howard, Chelsea Gray, Arike Ogunbowale, Jewell Loyd, Jackie Young, Kahleah Copper, and current Husky, Paige Bueckers, what can be said about those who agreed to invest in this exciting venture?

Who is financially encouraging Breanna Stewart’s ‘Unrivaled’?

Some very high-profile names make the list who are willing to back this upcoming project. Media executives like former ESPN president and co-founder of Meadowlark Media John Skipper along with ex-Turner boss and Horizon Sports & Experiences (HS&E) co-chief executive David Levy are the first ones expressing their interest. “I believe it’s a good investment. David and I and the other group of investors have the chance to be on the ground floor of something that I think is going to be quite impactful”, Skipper said while making it official. Both will be entrusted with the media rights responsibilities. In addition to this, HS&E will spearhead the sponsorship sales. Ally Financial emerges as the first founding brand partner. It is also the jersey patch partner and will provide an “Ally Lounge” in every fixture.

Former Warner Bros. CEO Ann Sarnoff is another such corporate heavyweight ready to engage. Meanwhile, US former soccer co-captain Alex Morgan extended the initial monetary help to the league. She did it via her firm Trybe Ventures. Morgan’s former teammate Megan Rapinoe is another eminent women sport’s personality making the list. The athlete column in the investor group also includes former NBA stalwart Steve Nash and 10x NBA All-Star Carmelo Anthony. Other NBA names making their presence felt are Tyrus and Tre Jones. Stewart’s UConn head coach Geno Auriemma along with Cleveland Cavaliers general manager Koby Altman are in the mix too. Further, professional golfer Michelle Wise West is open to spending a substantial amount.

Last, but not least, Range Group and American actor, producer, and entrepreneur Ashton Kutcher, executive vice president of Forbes Moira Forbes, CEO of VaynerMedia Gary Vaynerchuk, Andor Capital founder Dan Benton, and executive chairman of Chegg Dan Rosensweig comprise the other seed round investors. While the aforementioned information is intriguing enough to get the attention of the fans, there are other enticing facts as well that can get the ball rolling.

Other interesting facts about the league.

The season will take its course from January 2025 and will run until March. It will have 30 of the top-notch women’s basketball athletes divided into 6 teams. The league will take place in Miami. Although, the venue is yet to be decided. Well, according to CNBC, it’s building its own facility. It will have two baskets, but its size is approximately two-thirds of the size of a regular court. Providing an insight into it, co-founder Napheesa Collier said, “So it’s shorter, but that really allows you to have that space for athletes to showcase their skills and go head to head every night and not have those extra four players on the court to kind of bog you down”. 

As of now, Breanna Stewart will be a member of Team Ally. This was a part of the deal when Ally CMO Andrea Brimmer agreed to become one of its investors. On top of that, two months earlier, Unrivaled president Alex Bazzell released a statement that former WTA president Mickey Lawler would be appointed as its inaugural commissioner. While these are all attractive features, the one thing that will keep the players from participating overseas is the pay structure.

How much will the players earn in Unrivaled?

The estimated average salary according to trusted sources is a minimum of more than US$100,000. By all accounts, this number is the most in the history of women’s professional sports leagues. As for the WNBA, the current average salary is around $147,745. Anyhow, there is a strong possibility that the paycheck can reach the league-wide maximum salary which amounts to $250,000.

Sharing a thought in this regard, Breanna Stewart said, “For years, women have relied heavily on off-court sponsorships for a majority of their income. With Unrivaled, we’re revolutionizing the game by prioritizing investments in our stars and ensuring their on-court performance is reflected in their pay”. Certainly, it will indeed be an exciting 8 weeks of women’s basketball action. The presence of so many accomplished athletes gracing the inaugural edition of this spectacle. We will have to wait and see what further developments are heading its way.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.