WNBA stars to play in new 3-on-3 league in Miami. Here is everything you need to know
Like so many other out of towners who like to spend winter in Miami, 36 WNBA players are headed to South Florida in January to play in Unrivaled, a new 3-on-3 women’s professional basketball league that will host its eight-week season in the town of Medley.
Co-founded by WNBA players Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, the league will tip off Jan. 17 at a 129,981 square-foot production facility at Mediapro North America, part of a Spanish-based company that produces 15,000 events per year over 31 countries.
The Unrivaled facility, west of Miami International Airport, will include a compressed full-court sound stage with a capacity of 850 and incorporate state-of-the-art digital technology. It will be equipped with training facilities, a childcare room, an athlete content creation hub, a fan zone area, office space, and a mobile production unit.
“We’re excited to partner with Mediapro North America and usher in a new era of women’s basketball, complemented by an unparalleled player and fan experience,” said Unrivaled President Alex Bazzell. “From the outset, Mediapro has understood our vision for this league, and the team has gone above and beyond to bring that vision to life.”
Participating players will have equity in the league, reportedly earn an average salary of $200,000 and get to stay in the United States during the WNBA off-season, rather than having to play abroad. The games will be broadcast by TNT and truTV.
Among the confirmed 31 players, in addition to Stewart and Collier: Aaliyah Edwards (Mystics), Aliyah Boston (Fever), Angel Reese (Sky), Alyssa Thomas (Sun), Arike Ogunbowale (Wings), Brittney Griner (Mercury), Chelsea Gray (Aces), and Kahleah Copper (Mercury).
WNBA Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark (Fever), and All-Stars A’ja Wilson (Aces) and Sabrina Ionescu (Liberty) are not on the list yet, but there are five spots left to fill. Clark was offered $1 million and significant equity in the league, according to the Sports Business Journal.
“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,” said Stewart.
Among the league’s high-profile backers are U.S. soccer World Cup champions Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe, five-time LPGA Champion Michelle Wie West, former NBA stars Steve Nash and Carmelo Anthony, UConn basketball coach Geno Auriemma, and actor Ashton Kutcher.
“Unrivaled is thrilled to be able to bring women’s professional basketball back to Miami for the first time in over two decades and contribute to the city’s impressive sports lineage,” said Unrivaled Commissioner Micky Lawler. “Miami is steeped in a rich sports culture, with a passionate and vibrant fan base that supports its players and embraces excellence across all its teams. We look forward to making our mark on the court and in the community this season.”
This story was originally published November 13, 2024 at 9:04 AM.