Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball has revealed the first 14 athletes confirmed to compete in the upcoming 2025 season, set to take place in Nashville this February. The announcement includes reigning 2023 champion NaLyssa Smith Athletes Unlimited 2025 as a leading figure among returning and new players.
Returning Veterans and Promising Newcomers Highlight the Lineup
This early roster features nine returning players, including notable figures like Isabelle Harrison, Lexie Brown, Theresa Plaisance, and Sydney Colson, who serve on the player executive committee. Among the newcomers are Jacy Sheldon and Te-Hina Paopao, a rookie from the Atlanta Dream. The group combined holds eight WNBA first-round draft picks alongside an impressive total of 11 WNBA championships and six NCAA titles, underscoring the high talent level.
Complete Initial Roster and Season Structure
The confirmed athletes on the initial list are Alysha Clark, Isabelle Harrison, Lexie Brown, Sydney Colson, NaLyssa Smith, Odyssey Sims, Kia Nurse, Jaylyn Sherrod, Theresa Plaisance, Ariel Atkins, Aaliyah Nye, Te-Hina Paopao, Kiah Stokes, and Jacy Sheldon. Athletes Unlimited will add 26 more players to finalize the full lineup for 2026.
Returning to Nashville and the Exciting Format of Athletes Unlimited
Megan Perry, vice president of basketball for Athletes Unlimited, expressed enthusiasm about returning to Music City for the season, saying,
“Nashville welcomed us with open arms last season, and we’re thrilled to return to Municipal Auditorium for another year of world-class hoops.”
She also highlighted the unique blend of talent:
“With a roster that blends proven leaders and exciting new faces, AU Pro Basketball is where legends rise and new stars are born.”
The league continues to operate on an innovative scoring model where players earn points not only for team victories but also for individual contributions such as assists and steals. Fan voting determines MVP points, and the top four players on the leaderboard become captains who draft their own teams each week during the four-week season held at a single location.
Growth and Impact of Athletes Unlimited in Women’s Basketball
Athletes Unlimited basketball launched in 2022 as the third professional sport under the Athletes Unlimited brand, following softball and volleyball. The league is credited with pioneering an offseason platform in the United States that enables women basketball players to earn income playing with familiar court dimensions aligned with NCAA and WNBA standards. Last season’s champion, Maddy Siegrist of the Dallas Wings, set a new points record after climbing steadily on the leaderboard throughout the competition.
Expanding Opportunities Beyond Basketball
Since 2020, Athletes Unlimited has provided professional opportunities to female athletes across multiple sports, including lacrosse—which ran until 2023. The company recently launched the Athletes Unlimited Soccer League (AUSL) with MLB executive Kim Ng as commissioner, announcing a landmark partnership with Major League Baseball ahead of AUSL’s inaugural season.
Season Kickoff Scheduled for Early February in Nashville
The next Athletes Unlimited basketball season will begin February 4 at the Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee, promising another dynamic showcase of talent and innovative competition. This continuing effort reinforces Athletes Unlimited’s role in elevating women’s basketball while generating excitement and visibility for emerging and established stars alike.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is NaLyssa Smith still with DiJonai Carrington?
A. Wings’ player NaLyssa Smith feels very upset after being traded away from her girlfriend and teammate DiJonai Carrington. This trade means the couple will now have to manage a long-distance relationship.
Q. Is DiJonai Carrington still with NaLyssa Smith?
A. They’ve really hurt her feelings. Carrington and Smith are no longer together. D likely wanted her to be replaced. Ty McMillan says they aren’t broken up.
Q. Did NaLyssa Smith quit Fever?
A. Smith is under contract with the Fever until 2025, but she will become a free agent after the 2024 season. The next year is crucial for her performance and future career choices.