A New Frontier for Women’s Basketball
Unrivaled, a pioneering three‑on‑three women’s basketball league, announced this week that it has closed a $100 million Series C financing round, pushing its valuation to $650 million. The infusion of capital marks a decisive milestone for a competition that has been building momentum since its inception in 2023.
The round was led by Ten Pillars Sports Fund and UC Investments, with additional participation from a roster of high‑profile backers that includes actors Ashton Kutcher, basketball star Carmelo Anthony, and investor Alex Morgan. Their involvement underscores a broader belief that the league’s innovative player‑first approach can reshape the economics of women’s sports.
Founded by WNBA veterans Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, Unrivaled distinguishes itself with a compensation structure that blends salaries, benefits and equity stakes for its 54 athletes. The league’s ‘player‑first’ model has already seen the equity pool swell by more than 550 percent, now approaching $200 million in value.
Since its debut, the league has expanded to eight clubs and has sold out venues such as the Xfinity Mobile Arena and Barclays Center, drawing record‑breaking crowds. Its second season witnessed surging ticket sales, merchandise demand and social‑media engagement, prompting TNT Sports to secure broadcast rights for the upcoming 2027 season.
The fresh funding is earmarked for scaling the league’s digital platforms, enhancing fan experiences and deepening player development programs. Executives say the capital will also support the launch of new analytics tools and community outreach initiatives aimed at grassroots growth.
Jagdeep Singh Bachher, a partner at UC Investments, praised the league’s ‘thrilling appeal’ and highlighted the momentum that has turned women’s basketball into a mainstream attraction. ‘The energy on the court is matched by the excitement off it,’ he said, noting that the league’s trajectory aligns with a broader shift toward equitable investment in female athletes.
Early supporters such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry, Billie Jean King and a host of other celebrities have also thrown their weight behind the venture, reinforcing the notion that Unrivaled is more than a sporting experiment — it is a cultural movement.