Napheesa Collier, sidelined by a sprained ankle since early August, is determined to return stronger to professional basketball. Alongside her rehabilitation, she is focused on maximizing the momentum of Unrivaled, the women’s 3-on-3 basketball league she co-manages, aiming for a breakthrough second season. The Minnesota Lynx star discussed these ambitions during a recent podcast conversation with Sue Bird, her fellow University of Connecticut alumnus.
Unrivaled, co-founded by Collier alongside Queen Phee and Breanna Stewart, launched as an innovative alternative platform for WNBA players who typically compete overseas during the offseason. After an impressive inaugural season, the league quickly gained recognition and enthusiasm from players and fans alike.
Insights from Collier on Leading Unrivaled Forward
As both a leading player within the league and a key decision-maker, Collier highlighted how rewarding it has been to shape Unrivaled’s direction while staying actively involved on the court. She expressed excitement about the collaborative planning process and the opportunities the league provides for player influence and input.
We had success in year one, and we have even bigger plans for year two,
Collier said during her discussion with Bird.
To have so much say in something like this, it’s awesome,
she added.
Like your voice really matters, your opinion, the ideas that you have. So planning for year two has been awesome. Just all of our hopes and dreams, and all of our what-ifs.
With the energy surrounding Unrivaled’s rapid rise, the league looks poised for greater achievements. The upcoming season will feature notable new additions such as Paige Bueckers and Cameron Brink, both expected to raise the competition level and expand the league’s profile.
Key Areas of Advancement for Unrivaled’s Second Season
Despite strong initial interest, Collier acknowledges that Unrivaled still has growth ahead, particularly in enriching the fan experience and broadening the league’s scope. The entire first season took place at a custom-built venue in Miami, which streamlined operations and events, including a 1v1 tournament and regular practices.
For season two, Collier plans to take Unrivaled beyond Miami, aiming to bring the league to additional cities. This expansion will include increasing player participation, raising salaries, and generally enhancing all aspects of the league’s presentation and engagement. She elaborated on these ambitions while speaking at the 2025 CNBC Changemakers Summit.
It was year one, and it’s like, you have an idea and sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t,
Collier explained.
We were changing things in real time, so we’re hoping to improve the fan experience and make it even better for the players — so growth is what we’re looking at.
The enthusiasm around women’s basketball has reached unprecedented levels, and Collier, alongside many WNBA players, is actively working to expand WNBA rosters and renegotiate the collective bargaining agreement. This movement broadens the talent pool available for leagues like Unrivaled, helping elevate the game at all levels.
As Collier puts it,
Unrivaled is a tool where we’re trying to raise all boats.
Anticipating Unrivaled’s Influence on Women’s Basketball
Collier’s vision positions Unrivaled as an evolving platform that supports both players and fans by combining competitive basketball with innovative league management. The league’s potential to influence the greater women’s basketball landscape, especially as it connects emerging stars with established veterans, represents a significant step forward.
With the backing of WNBA icons, growing fan interest, and an expanding roster, Unrivaled is set to become an integral part of the women’s basketball ecosystem. Its continuing development could reshape how offseason basketball is experienced by professionals and enthusiasts alike, amplifying opportunities and visibility for female athletes nationwide.