Unrivaled League Explainer: What To Expect From Season 2

Mist v Lunar Owls - Unrivaled 2025 — Source: Carmen Mandato / Getty

Unrivaled returns tonight, and the buzz feels even louder than last season. After flipping the women’s basketball offseason on its head in 2025, the 3-on-3 league co-founded by Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier is back for a second year with higher stakes and more eyes watching. What started as a solution for elite players tired of going overseas has quickly become a cultural movement of its own, backed by major investors like Serena Williams, Alex Morgan, and Steve Nash. Unrivaled isn’t just hooping – it’s women athletes taking control of their platform, their money, and their future.

The league’s format is what separates it from everything else. Unrivaled runs fast-paced 3-on-3 games on a condensed full court, creating nonstop action, more touches for stars, and fewer dead moments. The “first to” finish in the fourth quarter raises the intensity even more—no clock watching, just buckets and stops. While the WNBA is built on structure and long seasons, Unrivaled feels more like a showcase: intimate, loud, competitive, and designed to let elite skills shine without restriction.

Another huge difference is how players are compensated. Every Unrivaled player earns a six-figure salary, making it one of the highest-paying women’s leagues in the world on a per-season basis. On top of that, players receive equity ownership, meaning they’re invested in the league’s long-term success rather than just collecting a check. Last season’s championship squad also earned a $50,000 bonus per player, and the prize money has only increased heading into year two—a clear signal that Unrivaled is serious about properly valuing women athletes.

The first season exceeded expectations, both on the court and online. Games drew strong TV and streaming numbers, social media clips went viral nightly, and the in-arena atmosphere felt more like a community than a corporate product. Now, one of the biggest storylines entering this season is whether Rose BC (led by Chelsea Gray) can run it back. As reigning champions, all eyes are on them to see if they can repeat – and everyone else is circling them as the team to knock off. With expanded rosters and deeper competition, a repeat is far from guaranteed, which only adds to the intrigue.

As for players to watch, start with Paige Bueckers, who’s making her Unrivaled debut and bringing her smooth scoring, high IQ, and star aura to the league. Alyssa Thomas is a problem in this format – her strength, versatility, and nonstop motor make her a matchup nightmare in 3-on-3. Skylar Diggins-Smith brings veteran swagger and shot-making that thrives in fast, open space. Jackie Young is quietly one of the most complete players in the game, capable of impacting every possession. Aari McDonald‘s speed, pressure defense, and fearless playstyle feel tailor-made for Unrivaled’s chaos. If last season was the introduction, this year is the statement.