Unrivaled's Groundbreaking Model: How Women's Sports Are Finally Gaining the Edge They Deserve

The rise of the Unrivaled professional women’s basketball league in 2025 marks a seismic shift in the landscape of women’s sports. Founded by star player-turned-entrepreneur Napheesa Collier and co-founder Breanna Stewart, Unrivaled has not only redefined competitive opportunities for athletes but also established a blueprint for financial empowerment. As Collier recently stated, “We have more leverage now than we’ve ever had.” This leverage is rooted in Unrivaled’s success: a player-centric model that combines innovative gameplay, equitable pay, and strategic partnerships. For investors, this is no longer just a story of social progress—it’s a profitable revolution.

The Unrivaled Model: A Formula for Player Power

Unrivaled’s 3×3 format, played on a smaller court, prioritizes skill, agility, and fast-paced action—features that resonate with modern audiences. By avoiding overlap with the WNBA schedule, the league offers players a lucrative offseason alternative to overseas leagues, eliminating the need to choose between family and financial stability. This structure is backed by equity stakes for athletes and salaries averaging $220,000, surpassing the WNBA’s maximum base salary. Collier’s own performance—MVP of the inaugural season, averaging 25.7 points per game—demonstrates the league’s ability to attract and reward top talent.

The league’s financial underpinnings are equally compelling. With $27 million in revenue in its first season—nearly breaking even—ahead of expansion plans—Unrivaled has already proven its viability. Key to this success is its investor roster, including names like Stephen Curry, Megan Rapinoe, and Under Armour. These partnerships signal confidence in the league’s growth trajectory.

Leverage Through Collective Ownership

Collier’s vision extends beyond basketball. As Vice President of the WNBPA, she has emphasized that Unrivaled’s player-owned ecosystem challenges traditional sports hierarchies. By securing salaries that rival overseas opportunities and offering benefits like childcare and state-of-the-art training facilities, the league has created a sustainable model. As Collier noted, “You can do it yourself better”—a philosophy that has attracted top athletes and investors alike.

The data backs this shift in power:
- Unrivaled’s average viewership of 221,000 on TNT, with peak audiences of 398,000, rivals niche men’s leagues.
- Player equity stakes and above-market salaries reduce reliance on overseas leagues, which often exploit athletes with low pay and poor working conditions.
- Sponsorships with brands like Samsung and Under Armour suggest a growing commercial appetite for women’s sports.

The Investment Case: A League With Legs

For investors, Unrivaled’s success is a harbinger of broader opportunities in women’s sports. Its first season’s $1.5 million in merchandise sales—despite delayed launches—hints at untapped brand potential. Meanwhile, plans to expand venues and explore touring models align with a growing demand for intimate, fan-focused experiences.

Collier and Stewart’s vision also addresses systemic gaps: by prioritizing domestic opportunities, the league reduces the need for players to leave their families or communities. This not only improves athlete well-being but also builds a loyal, engaged fan base. With sold-out games and a 1v1 tournament generating a record $200,000 payout for Collier, the league has already demonstrated its ability to generate buzz—and revenue.

Conclusion: A New Era for Women’s Sports

Unrivaled’s achievements in 2025 are not just a win for basketball—they’re a template for empowerment across all women’s sports. With $27 million in revenue, salaries that outpace the WNBA, and a player-centric model that attracts top talent and investors, the league has established itself as a financial and cultural force.

Crucially, its success has shifted the balance of power. Athletes now have leverage to demand better pay, working conditions, and ownership stakes—a shift Collier and Stewart have already leveraged to secure equity for players. As Unrivaled plans expansion and deeper fan engagement, its trajectory mirrors the broader rise of women’s sports as a viable, high-growth sector.

For investors, the message is clear: back a model that rewards talent, prioritizes equity, and delivers results. Unrivaled isn’t just a league—it’s proof that women’s sports can thrive financially while driving systemic change. In Collier’s words, “This is just the beginning.” And the beginning looks profitable.