Napheesa Collier talks Unrivaled and WNBA’s future on this week’s ‘The Athletic Show’

March 8, 2026 - 08:27

Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier offered an inside look at the groundbreaking new 3-on-3 women's basketball league, Unrivaled, during a recent podcast appearance. The All-Star forward, who is co-founding the league with fellow WNBA champion Breanna Stewart, shared the motivations and structural details behind the ambitious venture.

Collier explained that Unrivaled was born from a desire to provide elite female athletes with more opportunities to compete and earn significant income during the traditional WNBA offseason. The league, set to launch in January 2025, will feature top professional players in a fast-paced format hosted in Miami.

Beyond the immediate goal of creating another revenue stream for players, Collier articulated a larger vision. She believes the innovative structure and player-centric model of Unrivaled could serve as a valuable blueprint for the future of all women's sports. By demonstrating a successful, athlete-driven league that prioritizes visibility and financial growth, Unrivaled aims to push the entire industry forward.

Collier's comments underscored a pivotal moment for the WNBA and women's basketball globally. As interest and investment surge, initiatives like Unrivaled highlight the players' proactive role in shaping their own careers and the sport's trajectory, signaling an era of increased agency and expansion for women athletes.