From January 17 to be exact, the first season of the league Unrivaled will be launched in Miami and this 3-on-3 championship, created by and for the stars of the WNBA, is clearly doing well because it will no longer include 30 players (divided into six teams of five) but 36 players (divided into six teams of six).
“ We exceeded our expectations financially, so we can expand ahead of schedule and offer more spots to deserving players ” explain Napheesa Collierthe co-founder of this winter championship which came to complete the WNBA season with Breanna Stewart. “ These are incredible times for women's sports and we feel incredibly grateful for the support that has made it all possible.. »
A million dollars for eight weeks?
For now, in addition to Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier who are obviously part of the cast of the first edition, we also include Chelsea Gray, Jewell Loyd, Arike Ogunbowale, Skylar Diggins-Smith, Kahleah Copper, Brittney Griner, Kelsey Plum, Angel Reese or Aliyah Boston.
On the other hand, the phenomenon Caitlin Clark is still missing, despite the golden bridge that was offered to her by the leaders of Unrivaled (one million dollars, in other words four times the best WNBA salary and more than ten times her rookie salary…).
“ We will always have a place for her » ensures Alex Bazzellpresident of the league and husband of Napheesa Collier, who nevertheless appears confident. “ We don't put immense pressure on her as some might imagine, but we let her decompress away from basketball. And she knows she'll have a place when she feels ready. »
