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Steph Curry’s $100M Bet on Women’s Basketball: Inside the New 3-on-3 League

Ricardo Izquierdo

A Game-Changing Investment in Women’s Basketball

Golden State Warriors superstar Steph Curry has made a bold move off the court, investing in a revolutionary 3-on-3 women’s basketball league called Unrivaled. With a $100 million backing, this league aims to reshape the future of women’s professional basketball by offering top-tier competition, higher salaries, and increased media visibility.

As women’s basketball continues its meteoric rise, Curry’s investment signals a major shift in how the sport is valued. But what makes Unrivaled different, and how will it impact the landscape of women’s basketball? Let’s dive into the details.

What Is the Unrivaled Women’s Basketball League?

Unrivaled is a new professional 3-on-3 league featuring some of the biggest names in women’s basketball. The league is set to launch in Miami in 2025, with several high-profile WNBA players already committed to participating.

🔹 Key Features of the League:
✅ 3-on-3 Format – Faster pace, more exciting gameplay
✅ Higher Salaries – Offering WNBA-level or better pay
✅ Star Power – Featuring Angel Reese, A’ja Wilson, and other WNBA standouts
✅ Backed by Major Investors – Including Curry and other sports moguls
✅ Off-Season Play – Allowing WNBA players to compete without schedule conflicts

By creating a player-first league, Unrivaled is setting a new precedent for how women’s basketball can thrive beyond the WNBA.

Why Did Steph Curry Invest in Unrivaled?

Steph Curry has been a longtime advocate for women’s sports, consistently supporting gender equality in basketball. His daughters, Riley and Ryan Curry, have fueled his commitment to growing opportunities for female athletes.

Curry’s Vision for the League

🔹 Leveling the Playing Field:
“Women’s basketball deserves the same respect, opportunities, and visibility as men’s,” Curry said during Unrivaled’s launch announcement.

🔹 Providing Financial Security:
Historically, WNBA salaries have lagged behind their NBA counterparts. Unrivaled offers higher pay and a sustainable career path, ensuring that top talent stays in the U.S. instead of playing overseas.

🔹 Creating More Visibility for Women’s Basketball:
Curry believes that women’s basketball has untapped potential, and Unrivaled’s fast-paced, high-energy format could draw in new fans, bigger sponsors, and TV deals.

With Curry’s financial backing and brand influence, Unrivaled is poised to elevate women’s basketball to new heights.

How Will Unrivaled Impact Women’s Basketball?

The introduction of Unrivaled could reshape the landscape of professional women’s basketball in several ways.

1️⃣ More Exposure and Media Coverage

  • Networks and streaming platforms are already competing for broadcasting rights.
  • More TV time = More sponsorships and revenue for women’s basketball.

2️⃣ Higher Salaries for Players

  • The WNBA’s maximum salary is $234,936, while NBA minimum contracts start at $1.1 million.
  • Unrivaled will bridge the financial gap, giving women’s players better compensation and financial security.

3️⃣ Attracting Global Talent

  • International stars who previously bypassed the WNBA for overseas leagues may now choose Unrivaled instead.
  • This could increase competition and talent depth in women’s basketball.

4️⃣ A New Fanbase for Women’s Hoops

  • The 3-on-3 format is fast, engaging, and TV-friendly, similar to The BIG3 (Ice Cube’s league).
  • Expect higher viewership and attendance, growing the sport’s overall popularity.

Who Are the Stars of Unrivaled?

Several WNBA superstars have already expressed interest in playing for Unrivaled. Some names to watch:

🏀 Angel Reese – One of the most marketable stars in women’s basketball, her presence brings star power and excitement.

🏀 A’ja Wilson – A WNBA MVP and two-time champion, Wilson is a dominant force who will draw major crowds.

🏀 Sabrina Ionescu – Known for her elite shooting and playmaking, Ionescu could be a face of the league.

🏀 Caitlin Clark (Rumored Interest) – The college sensation turned WNBA star has been mentioned in speculation about joining Unrivaled.

With big names and high-level competition, Unrivaled has the star power to succeed.

Can Unrivaled Compete with the WNBA?

While Unrivaled won’t replace the WNBA, it offers a complementary option for players. Unlike past leagues that tried to compete directly, Unrivaled is:

✔ Scheduled during the WNBA off-season, so players can play in both leagues.
✔ Focused on 3-on-3, which is a different product from traditional 5-on-5.
✔ More flexible with contracts, allowing players to earn more money in shorter seasons.

Instead of competing against the WNBA, Unrivaled may actually strengthen it by:

  • Increasing media visibility for women’s basketball.
  • Providing players with financial security and reducing the need for overseas play.
  • Creating new sponsorship and business opportunities that could benefit the WNBA as well.

What’s Next for Unrivaled?

Unrivaled is set to launch in Miami in the summer of 2025, and expectations are sky-high.

🔹 What to Watch For:

✅ More player signings – Who else will join the league?
✅ Sponsorship deals – Major brands could pour money into the league.
✅ TV/Streaming partnerships – A broadcast deal could make or break Unrivaled’s success.
✅ Expansion cities – If successful, Unrivaled could grow into a nationwide league.

Final Thoughts: A New Era for Women’s Basketball

Steph Curry’s $100 million investment in Unrivaled isn’t just about basketball—it’s about changing the game for women’s sports.

By providing higher salaries, more media attention, and an exciting 3-on-3 format, Unrivaled has the potential to revolutionize women’s basketball.

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