What's Happening?
Unrivaled, a 3-on-3 women's basketball league, has set a new record for the most attended regular-season professional women's basketball game. The event took place at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, where a sold-out crowd of 21,490 fans attended a doubleheader on January 30, 2026. This surpasses the previous record held by the WNBA, where 20,711 fans attended a game between the Washington Mystics and the Indiana Fever in 2024. The evening featured two games, with Kelsey Plum scoring 22 points to lead the Phantom to a 71-68 victory over the Breeze, and Marina Mabrey scoring a game-high 47 points to secure an 85-75 win for the Lunar Owls over the Rose.
Why It's Important?
This record-setting event highlights the growing popularity and support for women's
professional basketball. The significant attendance figures demonstrate an increasing interest in women's sports, which could lead to greater investment, sponsorship, and media coverage. This trend is crucial for the development and sustainability of women's leagues, providing more opportunities for female athletes and potentially inspiring future generations. The success of Unrivaled's event may encourage other leagues to innovate and expand their reach, further elevating the profile of women's basketball in the U.S.
What's Next?
Following this achievement, Unrivaled and other women's basketball leagues may explore additional venues and marketing strategies to capitalize on the growing fan base. There could be increased collaboration with sponsors and media partners to enhance visibility and engagement. Additionally, the success of this event might prompt discussions about expanding the league or introducing new formats to attract even larger audiences. Stakeholders in women's sports will likely monitor these developments closely to assess their impact on the broader sports landscape.
