Unrivaled isn’t a rival to the WNBA. It’s a second league that runs in the months the WNBA is dark and is played by many of the same stars. Here’s how the two differ on format, pay, ownership and calendar.
Unrivaled is a separate, independent 3-on-3 league that plays January to March while the WNBA is in its offseason. The WNBA is the 5-on-5 league with the longer season. They have different owners and rules, but many of the same players, and Unrivaled was founded by two WNBA stars, Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart.
Unrivaled vs. WNBA: Side by Side
| Unrivaled | WNBA | |
|---|---|---|
| Format | 3-on-3, full court | 5-on-5 |
| Season | January – March (about 9 weeks) | Spring through fall; 44 games in 2026, up to 50 in 2027 |
| Teams | 8 teams, no home cities | 15 city-based franchises in 2026, after Toronto and Portland joined |
| Roster | 6 players per team, set by committee | Draft, free agency and trades |
| Founded | 2023; first season 2025 | 1996 |
| Ownership | Independent; players hold equity | Franchises with individual team owners; players share revenue |
| US TV | TNT, truTV, HBO Max | ION, USA Network, Prime Video, CBS, ESPN/ABC, NBC/Peacock and NBA TV |
| Home base | Sephora Arena, Miami, plus tour stops | Team arenas |
When Unrivaled and the WNBA Play
The two leagues almost never overlap. Unrivaled fills the stretch after the WNBA Finals and before training camps open.
WNBA dates are approximate; the 2026 regular season ran May 8 to September 24. Project B’s first season runs January to April 2027.
Unrivaled vs. WNBA Salaries
The new WNBA collective bargaining agreement, a seven-year deal running through 2032, changed the comparison. When Unrivaled launched, its $220,000 average was nearly double the WNBA’s roughly $120,000. Under the new deal, the WNBA’s projected average is $583,000.
| Unrivaled | WNBA (2026 CBA) | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum | Six figures | $270,000 |
| Maximum | Not disclosed | $1.4 million |
| Salary cap | None published; $8M pool in 2025 | $7 million per team |
| Equity | Yes, player equity pool near $200M | No |
| Revenue share | Players hold equity in league growth | First guaranteed share of team and league revenue |
The pay gap now runs the other way for the length of the season: WNBA players earn more over a longer year, while Unrivaled pays six figures for about nine weeks and adds ownership. See the full breakdown in Unrivaled salaries and equity.
Unrivaled vs. WNBA Rules
| Unrivaled | WNBA | |
|---|---|---|
| Court | 72 × 49.2 ft | 94 × 50 ft |
| Shot clock | 18 seconds | 24 seconds |
| Periods | 3 × 7 min, then target-score 4th | 4 × 10 min |
| Finish | First to leader’s score + 11 | Clock, then overtime |
| Shooting fouls | 1 free throw worth 2 or 3 | 2 or 3 free throws |
| Ties | Impossible | Overtime |
The practical effect: Unrivaled is played in isolation and transition, with one-on-one scoring skills in the spotlight. The WNBA rewards depth, set plays and rotations over a five-player game. Full detail in Unrivaled rules explained.
Why WNBA Players Created Unrivaled
Before Unrivaled, the main way for WNBA players to earn in the winter was to play overseas. Collier and Stewart founded the league in 2023 partly so players could stay in the US and bypass the WNBA’s prioritization rule for players who go abroad in the offseason. The league pitched higher pay, equity, a short season and a domestic base in Miami.
Unrivaled’s 2027 player list is almost entirely WNBA players, led by the co-founders. For WNBA fans, Unrivaled is the only place to see those stars in game action between the WNBA Finals and training camp.
How to Follow Both Leagues
- January–March: Unrivaled on TNT, truTV and HBO Max. Start with the schedule.
- Spring–fall: The WNBA, with its franchises, draft and playoffs.
- Roster news: Many Unrivaled players are spread across WNBA teams. Check the 2027 Unrivaled rosters to see who plays where.
- Winter alternative: Project B plays January to April 2027 in Asia and Europe and has signed several WNBA stars, so its season overlaps Unrivaled’s. See the Project B comparison.
FAQ
Is Unrivaled part of the WNBA?
No. It’s an independent league with its own owners, teams and rules. It plays in the WNBA offseason.
Do WNBA players play in Unrivaled?
Yes. Most of Unrivaled’s players are WNBA players, including its co-founders Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart.
Does Unrivaled pay more than the WNBA?
Over a full year, no. The WNBA’s 2026 average is projected at $583,000 against Unrivaled’s $220,000 in 2025. Unrivaled’s season is only about nine weeks and includes equity.
Is the WNBA going to 3-on-3?
No. The WNBA plays 5-on-5. Unrivaled’s 3-on-3 format is its own.
Will Unrivaled become a WNBA minor league?
There’s no sign of it. Unrivaled is independent, and its co-founder said the league approached the WNBA early about an investment and was declined.
