The growing landscape of women’s professional basketball has reached an exciting juncture with the establishment of the startup league, Unrivaled. Announced to the public on a recent Monday, Unrivaled has successfully completed a Series A funding round, amassing a commendable $28 million in fresh capital ahead of its inaugural season. This robust influx of funding signals not only confidence in the league’s potential but also a desire to challenge the status quo in women’s sports.
President of Unrivaled, Alex Bazzell, expressed the league’s ambition in a press release, highlighting the unique merging of expertise and strategic foresight that sets Unrivaled apart from competitors. With these funds already earmarked for crucial developmental activities, the foundation appears to be fortified for what promises to be an invigorating season.
The recent funding round builds on an already successful seed round, where the league secured $7 million earlier in May. Collectively, Unrivaled has gathered $35 million in funding in a mere year, a feat that leaves an indelible mark on the competitive landscape of women’s athletics. What sets this funding apart is the nature of its backers; from NBA champion Giannis Antetokounmpo to Olympic legend Michael Phelps, a diverse group of high-profile investors has thrown their support behind the nascent league.
Unrivaled does not just appeal to seasoned investors; it has also captured the attention of athletic luminaries like WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, who co-founded the league with the vision of creating a player-centric organization. In a groundbreaking move, Unrivaled is committed to distributing equity among its players, ensuring they have a tangible stake in the league’s triumphs and challenges.
A significant aspect of Unrivaled’s appeal lies in its commitment to providing higher average salaries compared to existing women’s leagues. While the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) is blazing trails for women’s sports, disparities remain stark when comparing rookie salaries across men’s and women’s leagues. For instance, rookies Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese earn just above $70,000, a fraction of what male superstars command in their inaugural years. Unrivaled aims to level the playing field, a move that may attract even greater talent and fanfare.
The league is also in the spotlight for its partnership with Under Armour, which has become its official uniform partner. Furthermore, a multi-year media rights contract with Warner Bros. Discovery—allowing broadcasts on platforms like TNT and truTV—indicates that Unrivaled is prioritizing visibility and engagement with its audience right from the start.
While the inaugural season kicks off on January 17, the groundwork laid by Unrivaled signifies more than just a new league; it represents a potential watershed moment in women’s sports. As institutional barriers fall and investment flows into this sector, Unrivaled stands poised to redefine the landscape of women’s athletics, welcoming both aspiring athletes and enthusiastic fans into a pioneering new chapter. With its player-focused model, appreciable salaries, and strong financial backing, Unrivaled is not just a league; it’s a movement aiming to transform the narrative of women’s basketball for generations to come.