At just 20 years old, tennis phenomenon Coco Gauff continues to make waves beyond the tennis court. As 2024’s highest-paid female athlete, Gauff has now turned her attention to revolutionizing women’s basketball through a strategic investment in Unrivaled, the innovative 3-on-3 professional league co-founded by WNBA luminaries Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier. This investment marks a significant milestone in the convergence of women’s sports, demonstrating how successful athletes can contribute to the growth of other sporting disciplines.
The impact of Gauff‘s involvement extends beyond mere financial support. Her global recognition and proven track record of breaking barriers in tennis bring invaluable attention to women’s basketball. As someone who has consistently advocated for gender equality in sports, her alignment with Unrivaled reinforces the league’s mission to reshape the landscape of professional women’s athletics.
Financial momentum
The league’s financial foundation stands robust with over $28 million secured in its Series A funding round, building upon an initial $7 million seed investment. This substantial backing provides the essential framework for attracting elite talent and ensuring competitive compensation for athletes. The successful fundraising demonstrates strong investor confidence in the future of women’s professional basketball and the innovative 3-on-3 format.
The financial structure of Unrivaled represents a departure from traditional sports league models. By securing significant capital early in its development, the league positions itself to avoid the financial struggles that have historically challenged women’s professional sports organizations. This solid financial foundation enables the league to focus on growth and development rather than mere survival.
Elite backing meets innovation
Unrivaled has assembled an extraordinary coalition of supporters from across the sports world. NBA veterans Richard ‘Rip’ Hamilton and Joe Ingles join forces with Olympic champions Alex Morgan and Carmelo Anthony. The involvement of collegiate coaching legends Geno Auriemma and Dawn Staley adds strategic depth to the venture. Rising stars like JuJu Watkins and established NBA talents Tyus and Tre Jones, alongside Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, demonstrate the broad appeal of this revolutionary concept.
The investment roster extends beyond athletics, featuring influential figures such as Boston Globe Media CEO Linda Henry and Avenue Sports Fund CEO Marc Lasry. Entertainment and media powerhouse Warner Bros Discovery has also stepped forward to support the initiative, joined by business innovators like Resy co-founder Gary Vaynerchuk and former Comcast Corp Executive Amy Banse. This diverse group of investors brings varied expertise and resources that strengthen the league’s foundation.
Transformative player economics
Beginning January 17th in Miami, Unrivaled introduces a groundbreaking approach to player compensation. The league’s $8 million salary pool translates to an average salary of $222,222 per player, marking a significant step forward in professional women’s sports compensation. In an unprecedented move, all inaugural players receive equity stakes in the league, fundamentally altering the traditional athlete-league relationship.
This innovative economic model creates a new paradigm for professional sports, where athletes become true stakeholders in the league’s success. The equity ownership structure aligns player interests with the league’s long-term growth, potentially setting a new standard for how sports leagues operate and compensate their athletes.
Media presence and accessibility
Through a strategic partnership with TNT Sports, Unrivaled ensures widespread visibility for women’s basketball. Live game coverage on TNT and truTV, complemented by streaming availability on Max, creates multiple access points for fans to engage with the sport. This comprehensive media strategy positions the league for sustained growth and engagement.
The multi-platform distribution approach reflects modern viewing habits while maximizing exposure for the league and its athletes. By leveraging both traditional broadcast and streaming platforms, Unrivaled makes itself accessible to diverse audience demographics, crucial for building a strong fan base.
Future impact and industry transformation
The emergence of Unrivaled represents more than just a new sports league; it signals a fundamental shift in the economics of women’s professional sports. The league’s commitment to competitive salaries and player equity ownership establishes new standards for athlete compensation and engagement across all sports.
As the league prepares for its inaugural season, its potential impact on the broader sports industry becomes increasingly apparent. The success of Unrivaled could inspire similar innovations in other sports, potentially leading to a reimagining of how professional leagues operate and how athletes participate in their financial success.
