Following a record-breaking 2024 WNBA season, during which multiple player sponsorships became prominent, a new professional women’s basketball club called Unrivaled was co-founded by WNBA superstars Breanna Stewart, the reigning WNBA Champion with the New York Liberty, and powerhouse Naphesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx. Collier’s team fell short of the championship, losing to New York in game six of the 2024 WNBA Championship Series. The club launched in Miami this past month.
What makes the Unrivaled Basketball Club unique is that players receive equity in the team, meaning each member will get paid. Cue the Super MarioBrothers coin sound effect! It’s about each player investing in themselves to address pay disparities in professional sports.
The games are broadcast live on TNT and select streaming platforms. The games debut to record-breaking viewership, prompting me to travel to Miami to see the action for myself.
February 8, 2025 potos by Leslie DJ
Touching Down in Miami
I touched down in Miami, buzzing with excitement and ready to make my mark! My mission? To cheer for the incredible women’s basketball players and show them my unwavering support. The moment I spotted Stewie (Breanna Stewart), I couldn’t contain my enthusiasm—I dashed over and gave her a high-five, exclaiming, “We came all the way from New York just to see you!” She flashed a smile and invited us to hang around after the game for autographs.
I was pumped to witness the epic rematch of Unrivaled’s inaugural game, where the unstoppable co-founders, Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, were set to face off once more.
February 8, 2025 photos by Leslie DJ
As I soaked in the energy around me, I spotted WNBA superstars everywhere, fueling my excitement! And how could I forget to wish Courtney Vandersloot a fabulous happy birthday? This day was turning into an unforgettable celebration of women’s basketball!
Before the Mist faced the undefeated Lunar Owls, I called Vandersloot over. She had recently signed a contract with her former team, the Chicago Sky, leaving behind the New York Liberty, the team with which she had just won a WNBA Championship. I told her that New York would miss her. She looked up from the crowd of eager fans asking for autographs and said, “Aww, I’m going to miss you guys too.” I assured her that New York will always be part of her journey and that we will always root for her.