In Medley, Florida, Napheesa Collier was seen sharing a light moment with Skylar Diggins on the bench just before the Lunar Owls faced off against Rose BC at Sephora Arena. This scene highlighted what Unrivaled offered WNBA players in its inaugural year: an opportunity to engage in high-level competition and camaraderie, while sharpening their skills ahead of the WNBA season.
Now entering a crucial phase as players negotiate the most significant collective bargaining agreement (CBA) in the league’s history, Unrivaled has taken on a greater role. Starting its second season on Monday, the league acts as a hub for players to strategize and unite amid ongoing CBA talks.
“The offseason can be harder than usual for connecting with people,” Collier shared in a Zoom call before undergoing ankle surgery that ruled her out for the season. “Bringing players together to have direct conversations and updates will help move things along faster.”
The WNBA and the Players Association have been negotiating a new deal for several months, repeatedly extending the deadline, with the latest set to expire on Friday. Recently, the WNBPA empowered its board to call a strike if needed, potentially delaying the WNBA expansion draft and free agency, which usually starts in late January. The 2024 season is expected to begin in late April or early May.
“There’s been a lot of talk that what we’re demanding isn’t sustainable for business,” Collier said during a televised Unrivaled game Monday night. “But from running a sustainable business myself, I believe if a proper model can’t be found, the right people need to be involved to make it happen. I’m confident a deal will be reached, but we’re firm in our stance and won’t back down.”
Ahead of its second year, Unrivaled announced it closed an oversubscribed Series B funding round led by Bessemer Venture Partners, valuing the league at $340 million—a remarkable figure for a young league, signaling growing interest in women’s sports.
“We aim to include women’s basketball in the Champions League,” said Unrivaled President Alex Buzzell. “This isn’t competition with the WNBA; it’s about carving out a distinct place in the market.”
Buzzell emphasized the league’s potential longevity due to its success attracting top players, including Collier and reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers, with about 75% of players signed through 2028. “Looking beyond biases about women’s sports and analyzing data, we see strong momentum. We’re very optimistic about both our current standing and future growth,” Buzzell stated.
Fan Take: This news is vital for WNBA fans because it highlights a growing competitive platform that supports player development and unity during pivotal CBA negotiations. Unrivaled’s rise not only boosts opportunities for female athletes but also signals a promising future for women’s basketball overall.
