On Monday, Unrivaled, an emerging startup in women’s basketball, made waves in the sports industry by announcing the completion of a Series A funding round that has successfully raised $28 million. This latest financial boost comes ahead of its highly anticipated inaugural season, which is set to begin on January 17. With a total of $35 million raised this year alone, including $7 million from an earlier seed round in May, the league is positioning itself strategically as a game-changer in the landscape of women’s professional sports.
Foundational Team and Vision
Unrivaled was co-founded in 2023 by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, reflecting a robust commitment to creating a player-centered organization. In a press release, President Alex Bazzell emphasized the league’s aspirational vision, stating, “Our players haven’t even taken the court yet and the foundation we are building with our partners unites unparalleled expertise, strategic insight, and an incredible product.” This statement encapsulates the league’s ambitions to construct a solid platform for athlete development and profitability, aligning the interests of players with the overall success of the league.
Attracting a diverse roster of investors, Unrivaled has gained attention from notable celebrities and athletes alike, including NBA champion Giannis Antetokounmpo and Olympic medalist Michael Phelps. The involvement of such high-profile figures not only brings financial support but also elevates the league’s visibility and credibility. Other prominent investors include Marc Lasry, financial mogul and owner of the Milwaukee Bucks, as well as iconic athlete Alex Morgan and actor Ashton Kutcher, indicating a trend where cross-industry partnerships could redefine women’s sports.
One of the league’s standout features is its commitment to player ownership. Unrivaled plans to provide every athlete with equity, ensuring they have a tangible stake in the success of the league. This innovative approach contrasts sharply with the traditional structures seen in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), where salaries have often lagged behind male counterparts. For example, while rookies in the WNBA, such as Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, receive salaries just over $70,000, Unrivaled promises the highest average salaries among women’s professional sports, which could entice top talent and set a precedent for compensation equity.
In addition to securing funding, Unrivaled recently announced its partnership with Under Armour as the official uniform provider. This collaboration underscores the league’s intention to establish a reputable brand presence while also ensuring players are outfitted with high-quality gear. Furthermore, a multiyear media rights agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery for broadcasting rights on platforms like TNT and truTV reveals the league’s strategy to amplify its reach to diverse audiences, providing critical exposure for players and the league itself.
The Road Ahead
As Unrivaled gears up for its inaugural season, the excitement surrounding its financial backing, vision for equity among players, and high-profile partnerships paints a promising picture for women’s basketball. With a solid foundation being laid, the potential for Unrivaled to reshape the narrative around women’s sports is significant. The league’s future endeavors will undoubtedly be closely watched as it embarks on this ambitious journey to elevate the status of women athletes on and off the court.