Invincible president Alex Buzzell has not ruled out the possibility of forming an official partnership with the WNBA for the second season of the 3×3 league, though the two organizations are currently not in active talks about it. Speaking from Miami on Monday morning, Buzzell emphasized their openness to expanding their ecosystem in any form, stating that nothing is definitively on or off the table.
As uncertainty looms over women’s basketball, Unrivaled launched its second season on Monday, featuring 54 top WNBA players. The deadline for WNBA collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations is Friday, with the WNBA Players Association (WNBPA) empowered to strike if necessary. Notably, Unrivaled co-founders Brianna Stewart and Nafeesa Collier, who are also WNBPA vice presidents and executive members, are deeply involved in both the league and union efforts.
Stewart and Collier, alongside Buzzell (who is Collier’s husband), communicated with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert while planning Unrivaled. ESPN reported last October that Collier and Stewart proposed taking a small ownership stake in the WNBA, but the idea was blocked due to league rules preventing active players from owning shares.
Buzzell avoided speculation about future moves but reiterated the open-door stance of Unrivaled toward collaboration with the WNBA, emphasizing that decisions would be guided by fans and players. The CBA talks will significantly impact women’s basketball, focusing on revenue sharing and salary structures. Players seek a system linking pay to business success, with varying views on implementation. The WNBA’s current proposal includes a maximum salary exceeding $1.1 million and an average of over $500,000 annually.
Collier recently appeared on “Good Morning America,” acknowledging a negotiation deadlock with the WNBA and turning attention to Unrivaled. The league is holding games primarily in Miami, with one night in Philadelphia, and has announced an average first-year player salary of $220,000, close to the WNBA’s supermax of $249,244.
Collier expressed enthusiasm about proving Unrivaled’s ability to pay players while running a successful business, hoping this will inspire the WNBA to achieve similar goals. The upcoming CBA could determine if players can continue participating in other leagues domestically and internationally, such as Unrivaled and Athletes Unlimited Basketball. Over 20 former WNBA players will compete in Nashville to kick off Athletes Unlimited’s fifth season on February 5.
WNBA owners introduced a priority clause in the 2020 CBA to allow teams to suspend players who don’t report to training camp on time. With potential salary increases and a longer season, playing in outside leagues might become unfeasible.
Buzzell believes such restrictions are not imminent and stresses providing players with proper resources and opportunities while making strategic business decisions about where they play.
Alongside Commissioner Mickey Lawler, Buzzell underscored Unrivaled’s flexibility amid a rapidly evolving women’s basketball landscape that could transform within six months. They intend to maintain open communication with the WNBA and team owners as Unrivaled moves forward.
Fan Take: This news is crucial for WNBA fans as it highlights the shifting dynamics and growing opportunities within women’s basketball, potentially leading to better pay and more playing options for athletes. The willingness of leagues like Unrivaled to collaborate and innovate could redefine the sport’s future and enhance its visibility and sustainability.
