What's Happening?
Breanna Stewart, a star player for the New York Liberty, has announced the expansion of her offseason league, Unrivaled, to Philadelphia. This marks the first women's professional basketball games in the city since 1998. Stewart shared her vision for Unrivaled during an appearance on Sean Evans' show, One More Round, expressing her desire for the league to grow and host games with larger audiences and higher player salaries. The inaugural tour stop will take place at the Xfinity Mobile Arena, home to the Philadelphia 76ers and Flyers, and will feature four clubs competing in Unrivaled's signature back-to-back format. The event is set to begin at 7:30 p.m. ET, with live coverage across TNT, truTV, and Max.
Why It's Important?
The expansion of Unrivaled to Philadelphia is significant for women's basketball, as it provides a platform for professional female athletes to showcase their talents and receive greater recognition and compensation. Stewart's initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to enhance the visibility and financial support for women's sports. The move also comes at a time when the WNBA is negotiating its collective bargaining agreement, highlighting the need for improved conditions and pay for players. By setting a precedent for higher salaries and larger audiences, Unrivaled could influence future league policies and inspire similar initiatives in other cities.
What's Next?
With the announcement of Philadelphia as the host city for Unrivaled's inaugural tour stop, ticket sales have already begun, and the league's full schedule is expected to be released in the coming weeks. The expansion is part of a broader plan to establish a full-time WNBA team in the city by 2030, providing a head start for local basketball enthusiasts. As Unrivaled continues to grow, it may attract more sponsors and media attention, further elevating the status of women's basketball and potentially leading to international expansion.
