Gabby Williams, the versatile guard who helped UConn dominate the national scene in 2015 and 2016, has taken a decisive step toward reshaping her professional trajectory.
A Star‑Studded Lineup Takes Shape
The 28‑year‑old, a two‑time Olympian and Defensive Player of the Year in France, announced a multi‑year agreement with Unrivaled, the 3×3 league co‑founded by her former teammates Breanna Stewart and Naphessa Collier.
Williams, who currently suits up for the Golden State Valkyries in the WNBA, will compete in Unrivaled’s third season this winter, joining a growing list of elite players that already includes Minnesota Lynx rookie Olivia Miles.
Her decision comes after a stint in the WNBA that saw her drafted fourth overall by the Chicago Sky in 2018, followed by trades to the Los Angeles Sparks and Seattle Storm, where she earned two All‑Defensive Team selections and a first‑team All‑Star nod in 2025.
Beyond the United States, Williams has been a mainstay for the French national team, contributing to bronze‑medal finishes at the 2021 Olympics and a silver medal in 2024, and she was named to the 2024 All‑Star Five.
The new contract not only underscores her defensive prowess — she is a member of the 1,000‑point/1,000‑rebound club and owns one of the five triple‑doubles in UConn history — but also signals a broader ambition to elevate the profile of 3×3 basketball on a global stage.
Fans can expect to see Williams face off against familiar WNBA opponents when Unrivaled opens its schedule with games against the Connecticut Sun on July 10 and August 26, adding a fresh narrative to the league’s growing calendar.
With the league’s expanding footprint, Unrivaled’s partnership with established venues and its collaboration with partners such as UConn and the WNBA hints at a sustained investment in the sport’s next evolution.
The Bigger Picture
Williams’ move reflects a shifting paradigm where top talent is no longer confined to traditional 5‑on‑5 structures, but is instead seeking innovative formats that blend competition with entertainment.
Analysts note that the inclusion of players like Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd, also listed among the league’s emerging stars, could further blur the lines between collegiate, professional, and exhibition play.
As the sport continues to expand internationally, the convergence of U.S. collegiate powerhouses, European clubs, and global talent pools suggests that Unrivaled may become a template for future basketball ventures.
For now, the basketball world watches eagerly as Williams and her peers embark on what promises to be a landmark season, one that could redefine how the game is played and consumed.