Avenue Sports Fund has announced a strategic investment in Unrivaled, the professional women’s 3-on-3 basketball league co-founded by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart.
Unrivaled, set to debut on January 17, 2025, will feature six teams of top women’s basketball players competing in a fast-paced, compressed full-court format. Positioned as a player-led league, Unrivaled offers athletes equity stakes and aims to set a new standard with the highest average salary in women’s professional sports history.
The league’s inaugural season will take place at Mediapro North America, a cutting-edge production facility featuring a custom-built court designed with Wide Angle Group. Unrivaled has also secured a multi-year media rights deal with TNT Sports, with games airing on TNT, truTV, and streaming on Max. Founding sponsor Ally Financial and recent partner State Farm highlight the league's robust and growing partnership portfolio.
“We are excited to back Unrivaled as the new league's thrilling 3-on-3 competition moves to launch in the next two months,” said Marc Lasry, Avenue Capital’s Chairman and CEO. “With the growing popularity of women’s basketball at all levels, Unrivaled is well positioned to become a significant player in women’s sports.”
Alex Bazzell, Unrivaled’s President, expressed gratitude for Avenue Sports’ backing, calling the investment a transformative moment for the league. “This investment doesn’t just support the league; it underscores how Unrivaled is uniquely positioned to be a game-changer for investors, partners, and players alike,” he said.
With its innovative format and high-profile partnerships, Unrivaled is poised to make history and redefine the landscape of women’s professional sports.