What is the story about?
What's Happening?
Los Angeles Sparks' forward Azurá Stevens is set to play her second consecutive season for Unrivaled, a women's professional three-on-three basketball league in the U.S. Co-founded by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, Unrivaled provides a platform for players to enhance their skills during the WNBA offseason. Stevens, who previously played for the Rose Basketball Club and won the league's inaugural championship, expressed that the league's format encourages aggressive play, which has been beneficial for her development. Her performance in the WNBA has been notable, with averages of 12.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, earning her a runner-up position in the WNBA Most Improved Player Award voting.
Why It's Important?
The participation of WNBA players like Azurá Stevens in leagues such as Unrivaled highlights the growing opportunities for female athletes to develop their skills domestically rather than overseas. This shift can lead to increased visibility and support for women's sports in the U.S., potentially driving more investment and interest in women's basketball. The ability to stay stateside during the offseason offers players stability and access to resources that might not be available abroad, which can positively impact their performance in the WNBA.
What's Next?
As Stevens continues with Unrivaled, her performance could influence other WNBA players to consider similar opportunities, further strengthening the league's reputation and appeal. The league's success may encourage the establishment of more domestic opportunities for female athletes, fostering a more robust ecosystem for women's sports in the U.S.
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