Unrivaled VP Outlines Domestic Vision After Napheesa Collier Exposed WNBA’s Financial Reality
When Angel Reese revealed that she didn’t know her WNBA salary, the reaction was swift. It seemed there could be only two possibilities: either the figure was too insignificant for her to keep track of, or it was sky-high enough to not matter. Unsurprisingly, it wasn’t the latter. The disappointing truth? $73,439—barely more than Caitlin Clark’s rookie earnings, a figure that would be scoffed at by athletes in most other major leagues. Reese is far from the first to raise the issue of financial inequity, and it was largely the disparity that inspired Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier to co-found the new 3×3 basketball league, Unrivaled.
A New Vision for Athletes
The Unrivaled League aims to provide a different path for players. Traditionally, many WNBA athletes supplement their income by playing overseas during the offseason—a grueling route that also forces them to vanish from the U.S. basketball spotlight. “When you’re overseas, you go dark. You can’t activate with brands, you can’t grow your following,” Collier explained in a candid conversation with Paul George. This “off-the-radar” season has long been a frustration for players trying to balance exposure, family, and financial needs.
Clare Duwelius, the Unrivaled League’s general manager and Executive Vice President, echoed these sentiments recently on *The Athletic Women’s Basketball Show*. She made it clear that the league’s top priority is player well-being. “It’s in the same vein of taking care of players first,” Duwelius shared. “We want to provide them the opportunity to stay domestically and hit all the marks that weren’t being reached before. Time with family around the holidays, the chance to stay connected, and to truly replenish themselves.”
Building a Sustainable Future
While Duwelius avoided directly addressing the much-talked-about million-dollar salary that the league offers its top athletes, she strongly implied the vision behind it: “We’re offering a truly viable option—something that can supplement other incomes and help them focus on improving their game.” Unlike the overseas grind, this setup lets players dedicate themselves to their nutrition, fitness, and the craft of basketball, all while building stronger connections with their fan base.
The Unrivaled League plans to operate from January to March in sunny Miami—a welcoming season for fans and athletes alike. Unlike the short and intense WNBA season, which ends before winter arrives, Unrivaled aims to fill in that otherwise silent stretch. “Fans will get to see players evolve and perform year-round, and athletes will have time to rest and rebuild,” Duwelius elaborated. She added that the flexibility offered by Unrivaled could lead to even more explosive WNBA seasons: “They get to rest and come back rejuvenated, ready to make an impact in the summer.”
Clark’s Elusive Commitment
There is, of course, a giant question hovering over Unrivaled’s inaugural season—the potential involvement of Iowa superstar Caitlin Clark. Recent reports have added layers of intrigue, with Clark choosing to forgo the opportunity, despite the league rolling out the red carpet. Sources reveal that Clark, who has been playing non-stop since November 23rd, simply wants a break. The Lionel Messi-style offers, unique incentives, and various deals dangled before her have so far not been enough to sway her decision.
Instead of joining the Miami-based startup, Clark appears to have focused her efforts on an entirely different venture: bringing an NWSL expansion franchise to Cincinnati. With talks of a potential franchise happening as soon as 2025, it’s no wonder she’s keeping her options open. As reported by insiders, the valuation of both NWSL and WNBA teams is projected to skyrocket—offering a golden investment opportunity for someone in Clark’s position. Still, there’s hope yet. As Napheesa Collier’s husband and Unrivaled President Alex Bazzell put it, “Caitlin can take as much time as she needs. The door will always be open.”
Clark’s potential involvement would undoubtedly bolster the fledgling league, but for now, the Unrivaled team has its hands full. Their commitment to enhancing the lives of athletes—both financially and personally—is already sparking excitement and curiosity within the sports community. In the face of historic inequities, the Unrivaled League’s commitment to creating a domestic pathway is both an economic and cultural statement. It’s about the power to play, earn, and thrive on your own terms, without going dark when the season ends.
