How Unrivaled became a welcome alternative for WNBA players' overseas offseasons

Chelsea Gray has made a habit of competing internationally during her WNBA offseasons. For nearly a decade, the Las Vegas Aces star would pack her bags after the W season concluded and fly to compete for teams in Israel, Spain and Turkey as a way to work on her game, travel the world and supplement her income during the winter.

A few years ago, away from the spotlight while playing in Turkey, she started wondering what was next in her career and her life. She was nearing 30, had won championships and established herself as one of the best in the game. Playing overseas every winter meant months away from some of her family and friends, and a risk that she was missing opportunities to grow her brand.

So when she was approached two years ago by executives creating a new U.S. women’s basketball league, Gray was intrigued.

“It changes the game, being able to make money while still being here, being with our family,” Gray said. “It’s been really, really cool that it’s come to be what it is.”

Co-founded by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, the new modified full-court 3×3 league has attracted many of the sport’s top players, such as Gray, who have opted against overseas competition this winter in hopes of establishing a new winter home for women’s basketball. The league debuts Friday in Miami, with six teams who boast some of the most notable names in the sport such as Angel Reese, Sabrina Ionescu, Jewell Loyd and Brittney Griner.


https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6068595/2025/01/17/unrivaled-wnba-players-offseason-basketball-league/?onboarded=true