Unrivaled Women’s Basketball League Scores $340 Million Valuation After Oversubscribed Series B Round
The Unrivaled women’s basketball league, a groundbreaking 3-on-3 initiative, has achieved a remarkable valuation of $340 million following the successful closure of its oversubscribed Series B investment round. This substantial financial infusion, led by venture capital firm Bessemer Venture Partners, underscores the burgeoning confidence and escalating interest in women’s professional sports.
New Investors Bolster Unrivaled’s Appeal
The latest round of funding introduces an impressive roster of new investors, further solidifying Unrivaled’s appeal. Tennis icon Serena Williams, through her venture capital firm Serena Ventures, has joined the ownership group. She is accompanied by a host of NBA talent, including Atlanta Hawks star guard Trae Young and Orlando Magic’s Franz and Moritz Wagner. Beyond the professional courts, University of Maryland president Darryll J. Pines and his wife Sylvia, along with prominent sports executive Sam Rapoport, have also invested in the league’s future. Existing investors, such as soccer legend Alex Morgan’s Trybe Ventures and media giant Warner Bros. Discovery, have also increased their stakes, demonstrating sustained belief in the league’s trajectory.
A History of Strong Financial Backing
This recent investment round follows significant initial backing for Unrivaled. The league secured over $28 million in Series A funding last December, building on the $7 million raised during its seed round, which was publicly announced in May 2024. These earlier rounds attracted a diverse group of high-profile individuals, including NBA legends Stephen Curry, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Carmelo Anthony, alongside decorated basketball coaches Geno Auriemma and Dawn Staley. Other notable investors from various fields included tennis star Coco Gauff, Olympic swimming legend Michael Phelps, tennis pioneer Billie Jean King, and comedian Wanda Sykes.
Unrivaled’s Founding Vision
Co-founded by New York Liberty’s star forward Breanna Stewart and Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier in 2023, Unrivaled was established to provide elite WNBA players with a compelling option to play professionally in the U.S. during the offseason. The league’s innovative model allows players to supplement their WNBA incomes, offering the highest average salary in women’s professional sports league history, and notably, granting players equity stakes in the league itself.
Inaugural Season Success
Unrivaled successfully wrapped up its inaugural eight-week season in March, culminating in a championship victory for player Erica Rose. The season proved to be a strong debut, showcasing some of the biggest names in women’s basketball, including the Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese and Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner. The league garnered considerable viewership, averaging 221,000 viewers across TNT and truTV during its regular season and two-day postseason play. Furthermore, every game held at its Miami arena during the postseason was completely sold out, indicating robust fan engagement.
Looking Ahead: Season Two and Expansion
Looking ahead, Unrivaled is set to tip off its second season in January. As part of its commitment to player development and and experience, the league is actively upgrading its facilities at its arena in Medley, Florida, with plans to construct a larger, state-of-the-art training facility.
Quotes from Leadership
“I think we have a huge sense of pride knowing that this wasn’t built without the entire team behind it and everybody that’s believed from Day 1 and invested,” stated Breanna Stewart, emphasizing the collective effort behind the league’s success. “Just excited for what’s to come in the future of Unrivaled, and it shows everyone else the valuation of what our league is and where it’s going to continue to go.”
Unrivaled President Alex Bazzell echoed this sentiment, adding, “We’re continuing to align with partners who elevate our league and accelerate our strategic growth. With Bessemer Venture Partners leading this round, Unrivaled is in an unprecedented position for a new sports league. This round of investment proves athlete-driven models can thrive at the highest levels of business.”
A Pivotal Moment for Women’s Sports
The league’s rapid growth and significant financial backing signify a pivotal moment for women’s sports, demonstrating the power of athlete-led initiatives and the immense market potential that continues to attract prominent investors.
