Former Arizona women’s basketball star Aari McDonald has gone back and forth about the idea of playing overseas during the WNBA offseason. While her first try at it wasn’t a happy time, she has excelled
the last two seasons in Australia and China. In 2026, the self-proclaimed “homebody” doesn’t have to go overseas. Instead, she will play in the U.S.-based Unrivaled basketball league.
Unrivaled is a 3×3 basketball league that was founded by New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart and Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier. It started play in January 2025 and will start its second season in January 2026.
Not only does the league provide opportunities for players to stay in the U.S. during the WNBA offseason while still earning money to play basketball, players own the league and have equity opportunities. The league consists of eight clubs.
After a strong season in China, McDonald found herself in training camp with the Los Angeles Sparks last April. The Sparks cut her at the end of camp, and she was out of job for several months. Then, the Indiana Fever ran into an injury epidemic.
McDonald was signed on an emergency hardship contract when the Fever fell below the minimum number of healthy players. She was successful on the court and quickly became a fan favorite. She also fell in love with the camaraderie on the Fever, often talking about the level of support between players being something unique in her WNBA experience.
The Fever had to release McDonald when they got enough regular players back, but they were eventually able to bring her back on a rest-of-season deal. Unfortunately, that didn’t last long as the injury bug bit her, as well. McDonald suffered a season-ending foot injury against Phoenix on Aug. 7.
McDonald rehabbed while supporting her Fever teammates as they made a run to the WNBA Semifinals. They pushed the eventual champion Las Vegas Aces to a fifth and final game where they fell in overtime.
McDonald has continued to live in Indianapolis, attending events like Pacers games and haunted houses with her Fever teammates. She will join several of them in the Unrivaled league in 2026.
