While the WNBA is currently navigating a period of significant uncertainty, with players and Commissioner Cathy Engelbert locked in heated negotiations over a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the basketball world hasn’t stopped spinning. This Monday, January 5th, the second season of the Unrivaled 3-on-3 league tipped off, offering a much-needed sanctuary for fans and players alike. Since every player in Unrivaled is a WNBA professional, the level of competition is notoriously high, especially with financial incentives that often outpace standard league salaries.
For those worried about when the WNBA season might actually begin, the return of 3-on-3 action serves as more than just an appetizer, it’s the main course of the winter. The spotlight on opening night belonged to one person, Paige Bueckers. Making her debut with team Breeze, the former UConn star proved that the hype following her National Championship run and Rookie of the Years season was entirely justified.
Paige Bueckers Dominates Unrivaled Debut
The first season of Unrivaled was a massive success, culminating in a title for Team Rose led by Angel Reese. However, Bueckers was notably absent from that inaugural run, as she was busy leading the Huskies to a title and cementing her status as the top pick in the WNBA. On Monday, she made up for lost time. Bueckers dropped a game-high 24 points, adding 6 assists and 5 rebounds to guide Breeze to a 69-62 victory over Team Phantom.
She wasn’t alone in her brilliance. Rickea Jackson chipped in with 16 points, and Dominique Malonga added 15, while Cameron Brink provided crucial minutes in a limited capacity. On the other side, the veteran trio of Tiffany Hayes (20 points), Aliyah Boston (18), and Kelsey Plum (12) fought hard, but they couldn’t find an answer for Bueckers’ offensive efficiency. In the 3-on-3 format, there is nowhere to hide defensively, and Paige exploited every inch of the floor.
“We all know the W is physical, but Unrivaled, I feel like is even more physical than that,” Bueckers remarked after the game. “These are the best women in the world and you’re competing against them.” Her performance was a sharp contrast to the absence of Caitlin Clark, who declined to join the league for a second straight season. After a 2025 plagued by injury, Clark is reportedly focusing on a solo recovery program to ensure she returns at 100%, though the comparisons between the two young stars continue to burn bright regardless of whether they share the same court.
The Future is Unrivaled with the Next Generation of Stars
The growth of Unrivaled is moving at breakneck speed. This season, the league added two expansion teams, meaning more roster spots and significantly higher stakes. The financial lure is real, each member of this year’s championship team will take home an additional $100,000, doubling the $50,000 prize from last season. It’s a clear sign that the league’s business model is resonating with investors and fans who crave year-round women’s basketball.
Beyond the current pro roster, the league is already planting seeds for the future. In July 2025, Unrivaled announced a massive NIL initiative titled “The Future is Unrivaled Class of 2025.” This group includes 14 of the most dominant names in the college game today, including: JuJu Watkins, Hannah Hidalgo, Flau’jae Johnson, Azzi Fudd, Madison Booker, Sarah Strong, Lauren and Sienna Betts, Audi Crooks, and others.
By securing these deals early, Unrivaled is ensuring that when the college season ends, the transition to the pro level-and the 3-on-3 spotlight-is seamless. For Paige Bueckers and the Breeze, Monday was just the beginning of what looks to be an amazing winter.
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