In an impressive display of growing interest in women’s sports, the startup basketball league Unrivaled recently announced a successful Series A funding round, amassing $28 million right before its much-anticipated inaugural season. Founded just this year and co-led by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, Unrivaled aims to redefine women’s professional basketball by promoting a player-centered business model. President Alex Bazzell expressed optimism about the foundation being built, highlighting the collaboration with notable investors and industry leaders that position them for future success.
Unrivaled has demonstrated a strong appetite for financial backing, having initially raised $7 million during its seed round in May. This brings its total funding in 2024 to an impressive $35 million. The league’s funding strategy includes participation from distinguished investors, including NBA champion Giannis Antetokounmpo and Olympic legend Michael Phelps. This influx of capital not only provides the league with the resources to operate effectively from the start but also underscores a growing recognition of the potential and value of women’s sports in the competitive landscape.
What sets Unrivaled apart from existing leagues is its commitment to empowering players through equity participation. Every athlete in the league has been granted a share in its success, arguably a move designed to foster loyalty and motivation among players, and to enhance the overall competitive atmosphere. While the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) has witnessed substantial growth, the compensation disparities between rookies in the WNBA and their NBA counterparts remain pronounced. In this respect, Unrivaled leads the way by offering the highest average salaries in any women’s professional sports league, addressing a critical gap and attracting top talent.
Unrivaled has also announced key partnerships that bolster its public visibility and market presence. Signing Under Armour as the official uniform partner marks a significant step forward, ensuring that the league will feature well-branded merchandise that appeals to fans and players alike. Additionally, the exclusive multiyear media rights deal with Warner Bros. Discovery to broadcast games on TNT, truTV, and the streaming service Max provides unprecedented exposure for the league, promising to capture the interest of mainstream audiences and enhance viewership.
The league is slated to kick off its inaugural season on January 17, creating considerable excitement among players and fans. With a roster of 36 elite athletes and strong financial backing, Unrivaled is poised not just to succeed but to challenge the existing paradigms within women’s sports. As the basketball community awaits this new chapter, it will be fascinating to see how Unrivaled navigates the complexities of competition, media relations, and player welfare in its journey to establish itself in the sports industry. The commitment to innovation and player empowerment may set a template for future leagues to follow, ushering in a new era for women’s professional sports.