Unrivaled, a women's 3-on-3 basketball league that has been gaining traction since its inception, announced a Series C funding round that values the organization at $650 million, nearly doubling its previous valuation.
The round, led by Ten Pillar Sports Fund and backed by UC Investments, exceeded the league's original $100 million target and underscored strong investor confidence in a model that grants athletes direct ownership stakes.
Player-Centric Model Redefines the Landscape
With player equity now valued at nearly $200 million and the equity pool expanding 550 percent since launch, the league's athletes are not just participants but shareholders in its growth.
Co-founder and star forward Breanna Stewart highlighted that the new capital will be directed toward enhancing player experiences, expanding the fanbase, and supporting the league's ambitious schedule, which includes eight tour stops in 2027 and a six-year partnership with TNT for broadcast rights.
Unrivaled currently operates eight teams, primarily based in Miami, and has sold-out events in New York and Philadelphia over the past year. The league's recent ratings dip, attributed to competition from high-profile events such as the Milan Cortina Olympics and the College Football Playoff, has motivated a renewed focus on media outreach and audience engagement.
Alex Bazzell, president of Unrivaled, emphasized that the funding reflects a broader belief in the league's mission to create a player-first environment that resonates with younger audiences and offers a fresh, thrilling alternative to traditional sports formats.