For the past months, ever since the Unrivaled League was announced in July 2023, fans and sports enthusiasts have excitedly followed up with the announcement of players. It is exciting to follow up with the reveal of this tournament’s players because the league has a limited number of spots, which makes it competitive. Initially, the plan was to have 30 players on five teams, but in late October, the league expanded to having six more players added and an additional team.
Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart are the founders of the league and based on their experience in the WNBA, they are looking at giving women’s basketball the best stage financially, sponsorships and deals compared to the WNBA. Stewart was the first player to be signed by the league and the latest players to be signed are Rae Burrell and Jordin Canada. The league announced the coaches for the six teams as well.
The Teams
The six teams are well balanced, having the most recent rookies compared to other experienced WNBA players. It is a blend of all positions, with each team having great shooters, post players and well-seasoned handling players who are great at creating shots and spicing up the game.
Lunar Owls Coached by DJ Sackmann
Shakira Austin
Natasha Cloud
Napheesa Collier
Skylar Diggins-Smith
Allisha Gray
Wild Card
Phantom BC Coached by Adam Harrington
Brittney Griner
Tiffany Hayes
Marina Mabrey
Satou Sabally
Jackie Young
Wild Card
Vinyl BC Coached by Teresa Weatherspoon
Aliyah Boston
Rae Burrell
Jordin Canada
Dearica Hamby
Rhyne Howard
Arike Ogunbowale
Rose BC Coached by Nola Henry
Kahleah Copper
Chelsea Gray
Lexie Hull
Angel Reese
Brittney Sykes
Azurá B. Stevens
Mist BC Coached by Phil Handy
DiJonai Carrington
Aaliyah Edwards
Rickea Jackson
Jewell Loyd
Breanna Stewart
Courtney Vandersloot
Laces BC Coached by Andrew Wade
Stefanie Dolson
Kate Martin
Kayla McBride
Kelsey Plum
Alyssa Thomas
Courtney Williams
No Caitlin Clark
Caitlin Clark remained true to her statement, “I won’t play in any other league during the WNBA break.” The WNBA Rookie of the Year, 2024, turned down a heavy contract estimated to be at one million and other equity deals for her inaugural year. She has been more involved in golf during the break and seems to be taking time off from basketball. Given her large following, her addition to the Unrivaled Team would have gone a long way for the league. Caitlin is not the only player said to have turned down the contract with the 2024 WNBA MVP, A’ja Wilson, who seems to be taking a downtime to rest.
Two Wild Cards Remain Unfilled
Despite the teams’ and players’ announcements, two wild cards remain a mystery to the fans. There is a lot of excitement as the last two players will be announced. Who would you like to see named on the wild cards? The two players named to the wild cards will join Lunar BC and Phantom BC.
Unrivaled
The league will begin on the 17th of January 2025 in Miami and will end in March. The league will be played in a 3×3 format on a smaller court, but with two hoops. During the league, there will be a 1v1 format in February. The league sets a higher bar for women’s sports, especially financially, which is one of the biggest problems it seeks to solve.
