Latest news with #Unrivaled
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Unrivaled Gives Top College Stars NIL Deals on WNBA's Big Weekend
As the WNBA's collective bargaining talks stall three months before the Oct. 31 deadline to get a new deal done, many of its likely future draft picks are helping market Unrivaled, the 3-on-3 women's pro basketball league entering its second season next winter. Lauren Betts (UCLA), Azzi Fudd (UConn) and Olivia Miles (TCU)—potentially the top three WNBA draft selections in 2026—are among the 14 college athletes who have signed marketing deals with Unrivaled ahead of its second season. The list also includes USC star JuJu Watkins and Flau'jae Johnson (LSU), both of whom already had equity in the league. More from WNBA Players Walk Away 'Frustrated' After CBA Talks Stall WNBA Players Getting Share of Expansion Fees Would Be Unique WNBA National Viewership Up Despite Clark's Injury Absences Unrivaled announced the NIL deals during the WNBA's 2025 All-Star weekend. The agreements come with no commitments for the signees to play in the startup venture founded by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier. Unrivaled's monetary value for players is an ongoing point of discussion in the WNBA, because it has become a model for better pay. The 3-on-3 league's average salary of $220,000 is near the WNBA's max base salary. Many of the WNBA's top players participated in Unrivaled's first season, and it has now tied its name to many of the nation's best college athletes. Unrivaled-linked players set to join the WNBA in the coming years could enjoy the fruits of the Women's National Basketball Players Association's ongoing labor fight, which includes pushes for higher salaries and a greater share of leaguewide revenues. That is if the union achieves the 'transformational' deal it seeks. A WNBA work stoppage would be detrimental for the momentum of the league and its players—especially as fan engagement remains near an all-time high. Those involved in Unrivaled at least have some level of personal protection in the event of continued labor unrest, as many of them received equity as part of their deals to join the Miami-based venture. Dallas Wings rookie Paige Bueckers, who participated in a well-attended CBA meeting in Indianapolis on Thursday, is among the WNBA players with equity in Unrivaled. The former UConn star will receive a check next year regardless of if the WNBA has a new CBA. News of Bueckers' lucrative three-year deal with Unrivaled leaked a day prior to the WNBA Draft in April, and WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert was forced to address it during her annual draft press conference. The Wings guard's first-year Unrivaled salary reportedly exceeds what she'll make in her first four years in the WNBA combined. The six-team winter league, played across 10 weeks between January and March, has long stated that it was designed to be additive to the WNBA. It strives to be a domestic option for players who want to avoid competing overseas to supplement their income. But as WNBA owners invest more into their teams and training facilities, some are asking for prioritization of the W over alt leagues such as Unrivaled and Athletes Unlimited. Seattle Storm star Gabby Williams vocalized her frustration on the matter to reporters on Friday afternoon. 'It's very clear that the league wants to push away all other leagues,' Williams said. 'It would make sense if they were paying us more here but it's not the case even with the new proposals.' Collier, a vice president on the WNBPA executive committee, recently pushed back on critics who view her role leading CBA negotiations and being a co-founder of Unrivaled as a conflict of interest. The Minnesota Lynx star said Unrivaled only benefits the WNBA as it grows the profile and fandom surrounding its biggest stars. Unrivaled has infiltrated WNBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis by setting up its own pop-up activation featuring game day fan experiences, player appearances and merch drops. It's the latest move for the league to grow its presence beyond its Miami homebase. The new crop of college players, including Hannah Hidalgo (Notre Dame) and Madison Booker (Texas), backing the league will only help build that name recognition as the labor fight in the WNBA continues. Best of Tennis Prize Money Tracker: Which Player Has Earned the Most in 2025? Browns Officially Get Public Money for New Stadium in Ohio Budget WNBA Franchise Valuations Ranking List: From Golden State to Atlanta
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Sporticast 468: ‘Pay Us What You Owe Us'
On the latest Sporticast episode, hosts Scott Soshnick and Eben Novy-Williams discuss some of the biggest sports business stories of the week, including the latest with the WNBA's CBA talks. The women's basketball league and its players are still in negotiations over a new labor accord. A meeting over the weekend at the league's All-Star festivities in Indianapolis did not appear to yield much progress. Players then took the court at the game in black shirts that read, 'Pay Us What You Owe Us.' More from NBA Seeks Supreme Court Review of 'Bork Bill' Case After Split Rulings Former NFLPA President JC Tretter Resigns in Latest Union Shakeup WNBA Players Say 'Pay Us' as Commish Offers Sunny CBA Outlook The hosts talk about the unique dynamics of this labor negotiation, and how much—if at all—to view it through the lens of recent CBA negotiations in major men's leagues. On one hand, players are publicly demanding things that far richer leagues don't share with their players. On the other hand, we've seen other women's leagues recently shoot past the richer men's leagues in terms of what they offer players. The hosts talk about the role that Unrivaled may be playing, either outwardly or inwardly, in the talks. They also talk about the growing anti-player sentiment among conservative media outlets. It seems possible that President Donald Trump could at some point weigh in as well. Speaking of Trump, he said over the weekend that the NFL's Washington Commanders and MLB's Cleveland Guardians should both revert back to their prior names. The two teams changed their mascots in the past half decade because of imagery and language that many considered racist against Native Americans. Trump went as far as to suggest that he could slow the Commanders' push for a new stadium if they don't revert back—even though it's unclear how he might do that. The hosts close by talking about the unraveling of the NFLPA. The football players association has been mired in controversy over the past week, including reporting about collusion with owners, misuse of union funds, allegations against executive director Lloyd Howell from a previous job, and potential conflicts of interest surround Howell and his ongoing consulting for the Carlyle Group. Howell resigned last week, as did chief strategy office (and former president) JC Tretter. (You can subscribe to Sporticast through Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever else you get your podcasts.)
Forbes
a day ago
- Sport
- Forbes
Unrivaled Bets Big On College Talent With Watkins, Fudd In NIL Class
MEDLEY, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 21: Napheesa Collier #24 of the Lunar Owls goes up for a shot against ... More Angel Reese #5 of Rose during the first half at Wayfair Arena on February 21, 2025 in Medley, Florida. (Photo by) Unrivaled, in partnership with Samsung, has signed 14 of the most prominent women's college basketball players to NIL deals, launching one of the sport's most ambitious athlete development efforts to date. The full roster includes: JuJu Watkins (USC) Azzi Fudd (UConn) Lauren Betts (UCLA) Sienna Betts (UCLA) Madison Booker (Texas) Audi Crooks (Iowa State) MiLaysia Fulwiley (LSU) Hannah Hidalgo (Notre Dame) Flau'jae Johnson (LSU) Ta'Niya Latson (South Carolina) Olivia Miles (TCU) Kiki Rice (UCLA) Sarah Strong (UConn) Syla Swords (Michigan) This class brings with it 32 NCAA Tournament appearances, 25 Sweet 16s, 14 Elite Eights, 10 Final Fours, and four national championships, along with a history of success on the international stage with USA and Canada Basketball. These athletes are already household names in college sports and will likely shape the direction of the game for years to come. 'Investing in elite women's basketball talent is central to our mission,' said Luke Cooper, President of Basketball Operations. 'This is about locking in the best players early and giving them the resources, platform, and support to grow with us.' Unrivaled Brings A New Model For Women's Basketball MEDLEY, FLORIDA - MARCH 17: Rose BC members lift the championship trophy after defeating Vinyl BC in ... More the inaugural season of Unrivaled at Wayfair Arena on March 17, 2025 in Medley, Florida. (Photo by) Launched in 2023, Unrivaled was built to reimagine women's basketball. The league is player-led and structured around a short-form season designed to fit within the WNBA offseason, offering top-tier athletes a chance to earn, grow, and build their brands year-round. Co-founded by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, the league secured investment from high-profile backers including Alex Morgan, Chelsea Clinton, and Carmelo Anthony. Unlike traditional leagues that rely on centralized team structures, Unrivaled is designed to elevate players as individuals and entrepreneurs. That mission is reflected in this NIL class, which positions the league at the center of the women's basketball pipeline, years before these athletes reach the professional level. Unrivaled NIL Strategy Focused On Development NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 16: Azzi Fudd and Paige Bueckers are seen at 'Good Morning America' on ... More April 16, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by The Hapa Blonde/GC Images) The NIL agreements go beyond endorsement deals. The athletes will attend The Future is Unrivaled Summit, a multi-day event hosted at the league's headquarters in Miami. Programming includes on-court skill development, brand-building sessions, merchandise design, social media strategy, and group activities aimed at creating a sense of community and shared purpose. Samsung Galaxy, the league's presenting sponsor, will provide the mobile technology powering the summit, giving athletes access to advanced content creation tools and digital experiences. 'Samsung and Unrivaled are building the future of sports,' said Olga Suvorova, Vice President of Mobile eXperience Marketing at Samsung Electronics America. 'This summit isn't just about visibility. It's about opportunity, innovation, and opening new paths for athletes.' Unrivaled Strengthening Athlete Relationships BATON ROUGE, LA - MARCH 22: Flau'jae Johnson #4 of the LSU Tigers in action against the San Diego ... More State Aztecs during the First Round of the 2025 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament held at Pete Maravich Assembly Center on March 22, 2025 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Reagan Cotten/LSU/University Images via Getty Images) Unrivaled's model centers around long-term athlete alignment. Last December, the league announced NIL partnerships with Paige Bueckers and Flau'jae Johnson. JuJu Watkins, already an investor through the league's Series A funding round, now deepens her involvement as a participant in the NIL program. These multifaceted relationships reflect a shift in how modern athletes engage with leagues, not just as performers, but as stakeholders and business partners. By meeting these college athletes early in their careers, Unrivaled is establishing a foundation of trust and loyalty. It's a long game designed to ensure that the league becomes a natural next step in their professional journeys. Unrivaled Rising Demand Meets Smart Strategy LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 12: Southern California Trojans guard JuJu Watkins (12) is ... More introduced during a NCAA women's basketball game against the Cal State Northridge Matadors on November 12, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by) The women's basketball landscape is changing fast. College stars like Watkins, Hidalgo, and Fudd are pulling millions of views on social media and drawing national attention. The 2024 NCAA Women's Final Four shattered viewership records, and WNBA attendance and ratings are rising steadily. Commercial partners, media companies, and fans are recognizing what many inside the sport have long known, the product is elite, and the market is ready. Unrivaled is capitalizing on this moment by aligning its growth with the talent that is driving the surge. By investing in future stars now, the league is not only building credibility but also setting up a direct pipeline from college to its own platform. This is a clear shift from the reactive, late-stage recruiting model most leagues rely on. It's proactive, personal, and deeply strategic. This latest NIL initiative cements Unrivaled as more than a league, it is becoming an incubator for elite talent and a brand built on athlete empowerment. The business case is strong. By offering more than court time, including content opportunities, revenue sharing, brand-building, and investment in players, Unrivaled is building a model that reflects the modern athlete's needs and aspirations.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Business
- USA Today
Notre Dame women's basketball star Hannah Hidalgo signs new NIL deal with Unrivaled
Notre Dame women's basketball star Hannah Hidalgo is one of 13 players to sign a new NIL deal with Unrivaled, the three-on-three league. Other star players signing with Unrivaled include USC's JuJu Watkins, UCLA's Lauren Betts and UConn's Azzi Fudd. In total, the 13 new signings have combined for 32 NCAA Tournament appearances, 25 Sweet 16 appearances, 14 Elite Eight appearances, 10 Final Four appearances and 4 national championships. "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." Last season, Hidalgo won ACC player of the year and recently helped the United States claim gold at the FIBA Women's AmeriCup 2025. Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on X (Formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes, and opinions. Follow Dave on X: Miller_Dave
Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
How the Hot Pink Haze of StudBudz Took Over WNBA All-Star Weekend
A neon pink cloud rolled toward me, illuminating the dimly lit Indianapolis convention center in which I stood. Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman, dressed in matching blush track suits and fuchsia hair, made their way through a sea of euphoric fans participating in an activation put on by Unrivaled (the 3x3 league created by their Lynx teammate Napheesa Collier). Tenzin, a member of the pair's management team, followed close behind with a phone held horizontally, nestled casually in the palm of her hand. If one wished to interview Williams and Hiedeman over WNBA All-Star weekend, that meant joining the duo's 72-hour Twitch livestream, entitled StudBudz (which doubles as a nickname for the pair). As I asked Williams and Hiedeman about their webcast's meteoric rise to becoming a cultural phenomenon around the W, I felt an existential pang as an itch took hold of my brain that I couldn't quite scratch. To bear witness to the StudBudz was to assume a minor role as an extra in their Twitch universe. It was all very meta, which is precisely what had made StudBudz the WNBA media juggernaut it has become. StudBudz-much like the league the duo plays in, and the players the livestream highlighted-is queer. Yes, many of the league's players and fans are gay, but the culture surrounding the WNBA was also built on an elemental queerness. It's part of why the league is endlessly entertaining, joyful, subversive and holds a singular place in American culture. But that fact was not always embraced, and players weren't always encouraged to freely express themselves. Williams and Hiedeman offered an unflinching, all-access pass into what has long been the league's essence, but still beholding it in all its unedited glory in 2025 was simply delightful. The fact that this generation-defining piece of WNBA content occurred on Twitch is also notable. If the medium is the message, then StudBudz is a show for our time. The platform has recently evolved into something of a town square, with various Twitch personalities, like Hasan Piker, dominating the recent political discourse. Many online pundits, often young men, sit for hours on their respective streams, dispensing and commenting on the day's news as a graveyard of various beverages accumulates before them. StudBudz flipped that formula on its head while staying true to the platform's spontaneous ethos. Twitch's webpage is ornamented with purple accents and lined with a nonstop rolling chat. It's the stuff of brain-rot's dreams and Foucault's nightmares, but the ad-hoc look, sporadic emojis and lo-fi vibes fit so seamlessly into a pop culture ecosystem that simultaneously reveres nonchalance and is obsessed with authenticity. Williams and Hiedeman met their audience where it was at, creating an utterly raucous and random show. When asked for one word to describe the weekend, in unison, Williams and Heideman exclaimed, "Lit!" That much was evident as a hot pink haze wafted into Sports Illustrated's All-Star afterparty on Saturday night. Much like how I met them, the pair floated through the dark, cavernous space, immediately bringing to life a drowsy party. Williams jumped onstage, joining Grammy-award winning artist Diplo, holding the crowd in the palm of her hand, almost as if to say, this is how it's done. There's something to be said for people who know how to curate fun, I thought, when I felt a bump on my shoulder. I turned to find a man holding a phone attached to a tripod pointed in my direction with Hiedeman dancing in the vicinity. "We were definitely just on StudBudz," I heard over a thumping bass. More WNBA on Sports Illustrated This article was originally published on as How the Hot Pink Haze of StudBudz Took Over WNBA All-Star Weekend. Copyright ABG-SI LLC. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED is a registered trademark of ABG-SI LLC. All Rights Reserved.
