Unrivaled Nets $28M Series A to Launch High-Paying Women’s Hoops League
The league’s ambitious plans include elite 3×3 competition, a Warner Bros. Discovery media deal, and top names in women’s basketball.
Unrivaled Women’s Basketball League Secures $28 Million in Funding from Star-Studded Investors
Women’s sports are having a moment, and Unrivaled, a trailblazing women’s basketball league, is determined to be at the center of it. In a game-changing move, the league has secured $28 million in Series A funding, bringing its total to $35 million as it prepares for its highly anticipated debut season in 2024. With a star-studded lineup of investors, a roster of elite talent, and a multi-year media rights deal, Unrivaled is poised to redefine the landscape of women’s professional basketball.
Powerhouse Investors Back the Vision
This funding round, led by the Berman family, attracted high-profile investors including NBA champion Giannis Antetokounmpo and 28-time Olympic medalist Michael Phelps. Their involvement is not just about the financial backing—it’s a resounding endorsement of the league’s mission to elevate women’s basketball to new heights.
For Antetokounmpo, an athlete who has always championed equality and opportunity in sports, the investment aligns with his vision of empowering athletes on and off the court. Phelps, a global icon and advocate for athlete mental health, adds his voice to a growing movement to provide women athletes with the resources and respect they deserve.
A League Built by Players, for Players
Founded in 2023 by WNBA superstars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, Unrivaled is not just another basketball league—it’s a statement. With the highest average salaries of any women’s professional sports league, it sets a new standard for compensation and respect for women athletes.
The league’s innovative 3×3 format, featuring 36 of the top players in the game, is designed to showcase fast-paced, high-energy basketball while allowing players to balance their professional and personal lives. This player-first approach is a cornerstone of Unrivaled’s ethos, reflecting Stewart and Collier’s firsthand understanding of the challenges women athletes face.
Breaking Barriers with Media Partnerships
Backing up its ambitious vision, Unrivaled has signed a multi-year media rights deal with Warner Bros. Discovery and its streaming service, Max. This partnership ensures that fans can watch the league’s electrifying games on one of the world’s most prominent media platforms, giving the league a global stage to shine.
Warner Bros. Discovery’s commitment to women’s sports amplifies the league’s potential reach and influence. With streaming platforms becoming the future of sports broadcasting, Unrivaled is not just keeping up—it’s leading the way.
Setting the Stage for Women’s Sports
The infusion of $28 million will help Unrivaled build a robust infrastructure, amplify its marketing efforts, and create an unforgettable first season in 2024. But the league’s aspirations go beyond basketball. It’s about sparking a cultural shift—proving that women’s sports are not just worthy of investment but are a thriving, untapped market with the power to inspire millions.
The league’s debut comes at a time when women’s sports are gaining momentum worldwide. From record-breaking attendance in soccer to increased visibility for WNBA games, Unrivaled enters the spotlight at the perfect moment to capitalize on this wave of support.
A Game-Changer in the Making
With visionary leadership, elite talent, and high-profile investors, Unrivaled is on a mission to prove that women’s basketball can be a cornerstone of professional sports. Its emphasis on innovation, equality, and athlete empowerment sets it apart from traditional leagues and positions it as a pioneer in women’s sports.
The question isn’t whether Unrivaled will make an impact—it’s how big that impact will be. As fans gear up for its debut season, the league is already living up to its name: truly Unrivaled.
Stay tuned—2025 is shaping up to be a historic year for women’s basketball. The inaugural season begins on January 17.
Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/12/16/unrivaled-womens-basketball-league-series-a-funding-round.html