The 2026 WNBA The season appears to be in jeopardy right now, with the March 10 deadline almost knocking on the door. The players and the league have not yet reached an agreement on the CBA.
Amidst the chaos, the Unrivaled three-on-three league has become the ultimate option for players looking to earn more money during the offseason. Co-founded by WNBA icons Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier in 2023, it had its first season in 2025 and the second season ended just a few days ago with Stewart’s Mist BC taking home the trophy after defeating Phantom BC 80-74.
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Collier, who is also part of the Unrivaled Lunar Owls team, recently spoke in an interview about the league’s growth in just two seasons. More importantly, she clarified that if the CBA negotiations underway don’t follow their path, so they have an alternative now.
In conversation with The Athleticthe former UConn alum made a key revelation about the WNBA’s missed opportunity with The Unrivaled. Collier said, “We offered equity early on, before we launched.” However, the WNBA refused.
Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier (24). Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
(Matt Krohn-Imagn Images)
When asked what Unrivaled offers over the WNBA, she said, “Everything we’re fighting for: benefits, fairness in the league, like we have all those things without having to be asked at Unrivaled.”
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Collier continued: “We don’t lack for anything here. And not only do we meet the minimum standards that we implore in the WNBA, but we exceed them. The players see here what professional life should look like. And so it’s really hard when you’ve been given that to accept less when you know what that could look like.”
After witnessing Unrivaled’s rapid growth of late, Collier seems pretty confident about its future. Given the current situation regarding the ABC, she clearly emphasized that “we are not obliged to accept everything you give us, because if you don’t give us what we are owed, we can go elsewhere.”
Ahead of this season’s semifinals, Unrivaled commissioner Mickey Lawler revealed that the league’s revenue had increased from $27 million to $45 million this year. as reported by CBS Sports. Additionally, Unrivaled also witnessed a huge addition of fans as the experience of leaving Miami turned out to be a masterstroke.
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The league hit the road for a tour at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, drawing a record crowd of 21,490. Additionally, Brooklyn’s Barclays Center also saw 18,261 fans attend the semifinal games.
Related: WNBA MVP Sends Message After Napheesa Collier’s Viral Statement
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on March 8, 2026, where he first appeared in the WNBA section. Add Athlon Sports as Favorite source by clicking here.
