Chelsea Gray, the Las Vegas Aces star, has been known for her international competition during the WNBA offseason for almost a decade. She would jet off to countries like Israel, Spain, and Turkey to hone her skills, explore the world, and supplement her income. However, a few years ago, while playing in Turkey, Gray began contemplating her future. At 30 years old, with championships under her belt and a solid reputation in the game, she started to question the long months spent away from family and friends and the missed opportunities to grow her personal brand.
When approached by executives working on a new U.S. women’s basketball league, Gray’s interest was piqued. She became the first non-founding player selected for the league now known as Unrivaled. Co-founded by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, Unrivaled is a modified full-court 3×3 league that has attracted some of the biggest names in women’s basketball. The league debuts in Miami, featuring teams with players like Angel Reese, Sabrina Ionescu, Jewell Loyd, and Brittney Griner.
Traditionally, American women’s basketball players have been faced with the decision to either stay in the U.S. during the offseason to recuperate and work on their personal brand or travel abroad to countries like Russia, China, Turkey, and Italy for higher-paying contracts. With the inception of Unrivaled, more WNBA players than ever have chosen to remain stateside during the offseason. The league aims to provide comparable competition and compensation to keep players engaged and supported in their home country.
Unrivaled offers players the highest average salary in American women’s sports league history, with participants earning over $200,000 for the 10-week season, along with equity in the league. The focus on player development, high-quality amenities, and ownership opportunities has resonated with many players, including Rhyne Howard of the Atlanta Dream.
While some players, like Marina Mabrey of the Connecticut Sun, have had positive experiences playing overseas, the appeal of Unrivaled’s shorter season, top competition, and support infrastructure has swayed their decision to stay in the U.S. The league also provides opportunities for brand-building, with partnerships with well-known companies and televised games on TNT and streaming on Max.
Veteran players like Kayla McBride, who previously played abroad, see the benefits of staying in the U.S., especially during the holiday season. The opportunity to compete against the best in the world while being close to family and building personal endorsements has been a significant draw for many players.
Unrivaled’s impact on the WNBA offseason landscape is already evident, with fewer top players opting to play internationally this winter. The success of the league could lead to a shift in how players approach their offseason plans, with more choosing to stay in the U.S. for competition and development.
As Unrivaled kicks off its first season, players and organizers are optimistic about the league’s future and its potential to change the offseason routines for the better. With a focus on player empowerment, competition, and brand-building, Unrivaled aims to create a new home for women’s basketball in the U.S.
