The Unrivaled women’s 3-on-3 basketball league kicked off in Miami with a night to remember, delivering fast-paced action and a historic first victory in the league’s history. The inaugural game saw Napheesa Collier’s Lunar Owls rally from behind to defeat Breanna Stewart’s Mist 84-80 in a thrilling showdown that set the tone for this groundbreaking tournament.
The night began with Stewart making history, scoring the first basket in Unrivaled’s history with a smooth jump shot from the baseline. But it was Collier’s team that stole the spotlight in the final quarter. Utilizing Unrivaled’s unique “winning score” format, which adds 11 points to the leading team’s tally after three quarters, the Owls staged a dramatic comeback. Skylar Diggins-Smith secured the win with back-to-back three-pointers, including the game-winner that had fans on their feet.
The second game of the night brought more excitement, as Rhyne Howard led Vinyl to a 79-73 win over Rose with a commanding 33-point performance. Rising star Angel Reese showcased her skills with 10 points and 14 rebounds, solidifying her as a fan favorite in this innovative league.
Unrivaled’s debut wasn’t just about the games-it was an experience. The intimate venue, holding just 850 fans, offered a close-up view of the action, with every seat within 30 feet of the court. Fans enjoyed pregame activities, including basketball challenges and a lively entrance show, complete with smoke effects and All-Star-style player introductions.
The buzz around Unrivaled is undeniable. Tickets for opening night reached up to $727 on the resale market, and high-profile attendees like Alex Morgan, Steve Nash, and WNBA legend Nneka Ogwumike added star power to the event. With 36 of the WNBA’s top players, including Brittney Griner, this league aims to elevate women’s basketball with its fan-first approach and innovative format.
As Collier put it after the game, “This was a great start to show what we’re capable of and how unique this league can be.” Unrivaled has officially launched, and it’s already making history.
Read the full article here
