Unrivaled Women’s Basketball League Secures $28 Million in Funding
In a groundbreaking move for women’s sports, the startup basketball league Unrivaled has announced the successful closure of a Series A funding round, securing an impressive $28 million before even tipping off its inaugural season. This substantial financial backing represents a significant vote of confidence in the league’s mission and potential for growth.
Unrivaled’s Impressive Backers
Led by the Berman family, the latest round of funding also counts NBA champion Giannis Antetokounmpo and 28-time Olympic medalist Michael Phelps among its notable investors. This star-studded support not only speaks to the credibility of Unrivaled but also underscores the growing interest and investment in women’s sports at large.
A New Dawn for Women’s Professional Sports
Co-founded in 2023 by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, Unrivaled distinguishes itself by offering its players equity and a vested interest in the league’s success. With 36 top players already signed and the promise of the highest average salaries in any women’s professional sports league, Unrivaled is poised to revolutionize the landscape of women’s basketball.
Setting the Stage for Success
The league’s strategic partnerships with industry giants like Under Armour and Warner Bros. Discovery, who will air Unrivaled games on TNT, truTV, and streaming platform Max, further solidify its position as a trailblazer in women’s sports. With a star-studded lineup of backers, including private investor Marc Lasry, University of South Carolina women’s basketball head coach Dawn Staley, and USC guard JuJu Watkins, Unrivaled is well-equipped to make a splash in its inaugural season beginning on Jan. 17.
As we witness the dawn of a new era in women’s professional sports, Unrivaled’s commitment to player equity and financial empowerment sets a powerful precedent for the industry at large. With a star-studded roster of investors and strategic partnerships in place, Unrivaled is on track to become a game-changer in women’s basketball and beyond.
