Unrivaled, a startup basketball league, has garnered significant attention following its announcement of raising $28 million in a Series A funding round just ahead of its inaugural season. This funding marks a pivotal moment for the league, which aims to redefine women’s professional basketball by establishing a solid foundation built on expertise and strategic partnerships. According to Unrivaled President Alex Bazzell, the early stages of the league are promising, with a product that is set to captivate audiences and engage fans.
The successful financial backing just before the league’s first games underscores a growing interest in women’s sports, evidenced by the substantial $7 million raised in a prior seed round. To date, Unrivaled has attracted a total of $35 million in funding within 2024, indicating a rapidly accelerating momentum that could transform the landscape for female athletes.
Co-founded by notable WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, Unrivaled is not just another sports league. It boasts a unique player ownership model that pledges equity and ensures that all players are vested in the league’s success. This approach could be revolutionary, especially in a sports domain where financial disparities between men and women are glaring. Compared to the WNBA, where top rookies earn a fraction of their male counterparts’ salaries, Unrivaled aims to disrupt the status quo by offering not just competitive salaries but the highest average salaries across women’s professional sports.
Additionally, the involvement of high-profile investors, including NBA champion Giannis Antetokounmpo and Olympic legend Michael Phelps, illustrates the league’s broad appeal and the expectations surrounding it. Such endorsements from successful athletes highlight a collective effort to uplift women’s sports and push for equality in compensation and visibility.
Strategic Partnerships and Media Presence
To further entrench its place in the market, Unrivaled has secured partnerships with prominent brands and media outlets. The announcement of Under Armour as the league’s official uniform partner offers a strong branding opportunity, while the exclusive multiyear media rights deal with Warner Bros. Discovery ensures that the games will reach a wide audience through platforms like TNT, truTV, and Max. This strategic move is expected to significantly elevate the league’s visibility and fan engagement, vital components for any sports organization looking to thrive.
Moreover, the involvement of recognized investors like Marc Lasry and public figures such as USC women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley adds credibility and experience to the league’s leadership. These alliances suggest a committed approach to not only prepare for the upcoming season but also to ensure long-term sustainability and growth.
With its inaugural season set to tip-off on January 17, Unrivaled is positioned at a critical juncture. The successful funding, combined with robust partnerships and an ambitious vision, sets the stage for what promises to be a transformative league for women’s basketball. As the sports community eagerly awaits the launch, it will be fascinating to see how Unrivaled navigates its early challenges and whether it can indeed deliver on its promise of equity, performance, and excitement. Ultimately, Unrivaled could be more than a league; it could be the catalyst for a new era in women’s sports.