It’s finally here! Set to tip off on January 17th in Miami, Unrivaled is just a few days away. But still, the newest league, founded by Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, is already a household name. It’s mainly due to its guaranteed salaries averaging $250,000 and equity opportunities for its players. But that isn’t the only thing that has been gathering eyeballs. Unrivaled’s bold moves also include NIL deals with college basketball stars like Paige Bueckers and Flau’jae Johnson.

However, that’s merely the beginning for Unrivaled and its founders. When Alex Bazzell, the president of the newly formed 3×3 women’s basketball league, spoke about their ambitious plans, his words resonated louder than just sports strategy. He emphasized the league’s intention to stand alongside the WNBA as a premier option for women’s basketball players.

Not just that, Bazzell even clarified his words further, explaining the league’s commitment to becoming the go-to destination for collegiate players. Days after inking the deal with Paige Bueckers and Co., he explained the motive: “When young girls are kind of dominating in college, the next progression is, ‘I want to play in the WNBA.’ We want to become that destination too.”

And it’s true. By offering players equity stakes and a platform to grow their brands, Unrivaled is already offering opportunities that the W has yet to fully explore. That’s why the new 3×3 league was able to lure veterans like Arike Ogunbowale and rookies like Angel Reese.

Unrivaled’s bold debut sparks big questions for the WNBA’s future

For years, the W has been called out for fairer compensation and better resources. But change might finally be on the horizon-at least if you ask Brittney Griner, who’s suiting up for Unrivaled’s inaugural season. As she puts it, “Being happy with what we already have is not gonna fly.” And she’s definitely not the only one feeling this way.

Even WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike is on the same page. “We’re not just asking for a CBA that reflects our value; we’re demanding it because we’ve earned it,” she explained. It all comes after the Women’s National Basketball Players Association opted out of the league’s Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Griner later chimed in again, reinforcing the idea that the WNBA needs to step up. “It’s definitely going to put more pressure on the [WNBA] to do better, honestly,” she shared, making it clear that the presence of Unrivaled could serve as a major catalyst for change.

While Bazzell made it clear that Unrivaled isn’t trying to undermine the WNBA, the league’s rise undoubtedly applies pressure. By aligning with high-profile athletes like Paige Bueckers and introducing a sustainable business model, Unrivaled has positioned itself as a potential game-changer in women’s sports. Whether this league will spark a broader revolution or simply complement the WNBA remains to be seen.