Celebrity investors, including Serena Williams, fuel women’s basketball league Unrivaled to a $340M valuation after a successful first season.
Major Investment Boost
The women’s 3-on-3 basketball league Unrivaled, founded by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, announced Monday that its valuation has reached $340 million US. The milestone follows the close of an oversubscribed Series B funding round led by Bessemer Venture Partners.
Who’s Backing the League
Among the latest investors is Serena Williams’ firm, Serena Ventures, alongside NBA star Trae Young, Orlando Magic brothers Franz and Moritz Wagner, and sports executive Sam Rapoport. Alex Morgan’s Trybe Ventures and Warner Bros. Discovery also increased their stakes after early investments.
Building on Early Success
Unrivaled launched in January 2025 and completed its inaugural eight-week season in March. The league averaged 221,000 viewers on TNT and truTV, while postseason games sold out in Miami. Its unique model — offering the highest average salaries in women’s pro sports and player equity stakes — has drawn both athletes and fans.
Founders’ Vision
Stewart emphasized the pride in building a league that empowers players and attracts global interest. “It shows everyone else the valuation of what our league is and where it’s going to continue to go,” she said. Collier and Stewart founded Unrivaled in 2023 to give players a U.S.-based alternative to overseas competition during the WNBA offseason.
Why It Matters
The investment surge underscores the rising commercial value of women’s sports. The league raised $28 million in Series A funding in late 2024, following a $7 million seed round. High-profile backers, from Stephen Curry and Giannis Antetokounmpo to Coco Gauff and Michael Phelps, have further validated its athlete-driven model.
What’s Next
With strong financial backing and growing cultural influence, Unrivaled is preparing for its second season in January 2026. The league aims to expand its reach, strengthen broadcast partnerships, and showcase more star talent, continuing to reshape the landscape of women’s professional basketball.
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