The fast-growing 3-on-3 women’s basketball league expands to eight teams
Unrivaled is expanding its footprint in women’s basketball earlier than expected. The Miami-based 3-on-3 league confirmed Wednesday that two new teams, Breeze BC and Hive BC, will join in time for the second season beginning January 2026.
The league had originally targeted 2027 for expansion but pushed the timeline forward after a strong debut year both on and off the court. The decision comes just days after Unrivaled announced the closing of its Series B investment round, which valued the league at $340 million, a tenfold increase from spring 2024.
“Expanding a year earlier than planned is a testament to the strong business model we’ve built and the potential Unrivaled has for long-term success,” league president of basketball Luke Cooper said in a statement. He added that the first season exceeded every expectation, and that the returning stars combined with new talent made expansion inevitable.
With Breeze BC and Hive BC added, Unrivaled now features eight teams. Each team has six players, bringing the total player pool to 54, including six developmental players. Last year, Rose BC which was led by Chelsea Gray and Angel Reese, captured the inaugural championship.
Scheduling adjustments will also be introduced in the second season. A fourth night of games will be added each week, reducing back-to-backs by limiting teams to two games per week. Games last season were televised on TNT and truTV, with every matchup available on Max.
Unrivaled’s business model has been a major talking point since launch. Players earned an average of around $220,000 in the inaugural season, alongside equity in the league.
Rookie star Paige Bueckers signed a three-year deal that paid her more in one year than her entire four-year WNBA rookie contract. League president Alex Bazzell confirmed that salaries will rise in the second season.
The latest Series B funding round attracted a broad list of investors. Bessemer Venture Partners led the round, joined by Serena Ventures, Warner Bros. Discovery, and soccer star Alex Morgan’s Trybe Ventures.
Other investors include NBA guard Trae Young, Orlando Magic players Franz and Moritz Wagner, University of Maryland president Darryll J. Pines, and sports executive Sam Rapoport.
The league said the new funding will go toward facilities, developmental programs, and marketing as it prepares for season two with an expanded lineup.
nba 
nfl 
wnba 
Previous post
WNBA Injury Report and Predicted Starting Lineup for Connecticut Sun vs Atlanta Dream: Anticipation Grows as Connecticut Hosts Potentially Historic Final Matchup Before Major Franchise Decisions
Next post
Angel Reese Situation Explained: How Chicago Sky’s Turmoil Could Trigger Major WNBA Offseason Trade Domino Effect
WNBA 
