It might be WNBA All-Star Weekend, but Unrivaled tried to steal the spotlight with the announcement of a major NIL initiative.
The 3-on-3 women’s basketball league announced 13 new NIL deal signings, including USC’s JuJu Watkins, UCLA’s Lauren Betts, Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo, and UConn’s Azzi Fudd.
The complete list of new signees also includes UConn’s Sarah Strong, TCU’s Olivia Miles, Texas’s Madison Booker, UCLA’s Kiki Rice, LSU’s MiLaysia Fulwiley, Iowa State’s Audi Crooks, South Carolina’s Ta’Niya Latson, Michigan’s Syla Swords, and UCLA’s Sienna Betts.
LSU’s Flau’jae Johnson, who had an existing NIL deal with the league, is also continuing her partnership. However, this new version does not include equity in the league, unlike the previous version.
These new signings join the NIL partnership that 2025 WNBA No. 1 pick Paige Bueckers signed as well. Watkins was also already involved with Unrivaled through her investment in the league.
“Investing in elite women’s basketball talent is central to Unrivaled’s mission,” Unrivaled president of basketball operations Luke Cooper said. “This transformational, first-of-its-kind initiative brings together the best of the best and reflects our deep commitment to elevating the women’s game and holistically supporting athletes.”
The league, co-founded by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, is coming off its inaugural season and eyeing expansion in 2027. Ratings were so-so but seem poised to grow in season two, especially if the league makes some intriguing changes.
All 14 players who signed NIL deals will participate in a summit from July 31 to August 2. called “The Future is Unrivaled,” which will include basketball development sessions and player content creation for the league.