A Successful Inaugural Season Behind It, Unrivaled Is Eyeing A Long Future In Women's Sports

Unrivaled, the 3-on-3 women's basketball league founded by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, is eyeing a sustained future in women's sports after concluding its inaugural season in Miami.

The league debuted in January at a point of huge growth and momentum in women's sports and wrapped up its eight-week season with Rose winning the first championship on Monday. While WNBA players have historically competed overseas to supplement their income during the offseason, Unrivaled set out to give them a domestic alternative while pushing athlete development, fast-paced and physical play and substantial player salaries.

While platforming some of the game's biggest stars like Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese, Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner and others, Unrivaled averaged 221,000 viewers on TNT and truTV during its regular season and two-day postseason, the league announced Thursday. The league said it sold out every game held at the new Wayfair Arena - which seats 850 people - with ticket sales surpassing seven figures.

Unrivaled coverage reached more than 11.9 million viewers across TNT and truTV and delivered the 10 most-watched women's basketball games ever on TNT Sports' networks, the league said. Games were also available for livestreaming on Max, resulting in the 10 most-streamed women's basketball games on the service.

Monday's final between Rose and Vinyl averaged 364,000 viewers with a peak of 385,000 - a 99 increase from the regular season. And 398,000 people watched Collier take home 200,000 after winning Unrivaled's midseason 1 on 1 tournament last month.