Paige Bueckers’ decision to sign with Unrivaled marks a watershed moment for women’s basketball. With player-focused values, improved salaries, and the star power to back it all up, Unrivaled is not just another league — it’s the future
As more players begin to see their value reflected in the opportunities available to them, the entire landscape of women’s sports is set to transform dramatically. One thing’s for sure: the era of Unrivaled has only just begun, and Paige Bueckers is leading the charge.
With initiatives like Unrivaled gaining momentum and more women athletes stepping into leadership roles, the future of women’s basketball looks brighter than ever. Collier and Stewart’s inclusion in the Time 100 list sends a powerful signal that their contributions matter — not just in the sports world, but in the larger cultural conversation.
Fans can expect even greater things from Collier in the coming years. Whether it’s leading the Minnesota Lynx to another playoff run, expanding Unrivaled into new cities, or inspiring the next generation of players, her journey is one to watch.
One thing is clear: Napheesa Collier’s star is only getting brighter, and with a strong foundation of love, ambition, and vision, there’s no limit to what she can achieve.
Also Read: Napheesa Collier Dominates the Court with Double-Double in Lynx’s Game 3 Win
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Napheesa Collier Shines at the Time 100 Gala, Husband Alex Bazzell Beams with Pride
On Friday, Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier captured hearts and headlines with her show-stopping appearance at the prestigious Time 100 Gala.1
Wearing a breathtaking silver backless gown, Collier effortlessly blended elegance and confidence as she walked the red carpet. Her dazzling look quickly became a favorite across social media, with fans and fellow athletes alike showering her with admiration.
The four-time WNBA All-Star took to Instagram to share glimpses of the unforgettable evening, posting stunning photos that perfectly captured the glamour of the night. She expressed her excitement and gratitude in the caption, writing:
“Last night was incredible! It was an honor to be surrounded by so many amazing and talented people. We’re just getting started, the future is Unrivaled💜💙.”
Her choice of words hinted at the growing momentum behind her latest venture, while also celebrating the significance of the night.
A Husband’s Proud Reaction: Alex Bazzell’s Sweet Tribute
Among the many admirers of Collier’s look, none were more heartfelt than her husband, Alex Bazzell.
Though he attended the event alongside her, Bazzell couldn’t help but express his awe once more on Instagram. In the comments section of Collier’s post, he dropped a series of red heart emojis — “❤️❤️❤️” — a simple but powerful declaration of his love and pride.
Bazzell, a basketball trainer and entrepreneur himself, has long been one of Collier’s biggest supporters. His public display of affection added a tender, relatable moment to an otherwise glitzy occasion, highlighting the genuine bond the two share.
Power Couples Unite: A Night with Breanna Stewart and Marta Xargay
Collier and Bazzell weren’t the only basketball power couple at the event. WNBA superstar Breanna Stewart and her wife, former Spanish basketball star Marta Xargay, also graced the Time 100 Gala.
The two couples shared the evening together, celebrating not only their personal achievements but the larger strides women’s basketball has made over the past year.
Stewart and Collier, close friends and business partners, were both honored by Time for their innovative efforts to transform the landscape of women’s professional sports.
Being recognized together made the night even more special, solidifying their shared mission and mutual respect.
Napheesa Collier: Honored as Pioneers
A Game-Changing Year for Collier and Stewart
Both Collier and Stewart were named in the “Pioneers” category of Time’s 100 Most Influential People list — a remarkable achievement that underscores the impact they’ve made far beyond the basketball court.2
Their recognition was based largely on their groundbreaking launch of Unrivaled, a new 3×3 women’s basketball league.
Launched in November, Unrivaled was created to offer professional women basketball players a competitive platform during the traditional offseason. The league’s first tournament, running from January through March, was a huge success, drawing attention from athletes, fans, and media alike.
Their vision has opened new doors for women in the sport, offering opportunities that were once scarce and helping to build a stronger, more sustainable future for professional women’s basketball.
She’s a business woman, I respect it https://t.co/BQOdZE5v3Q
— napheesa collier (@PHEEsespieces) February 18, 2025
Unrivaled: Redefining the Offseason for Women’s Basketball
The creation of Unrivaled marked a significant shift in the women’s basketball landscape.
Prior to its launch, many WNBA players were forced to play overseas during the offseason to supplement their income and maintain competitive conditioning. This often led to grueling schedules and little downtime.
Collier and Stewart recognized this problem firsthand and decided to take action. Unrivaled offers a high-level domestic competition, allowing athletes to stay closer to home, reduce travel strain, and still compete at an elite level.
The inaugural season’s success proved that the appetite for women’s basketball extends well beyond the WNBA’s traditional season, and that players deserve opportunities to grow and shine year-round.
Napheesa Collier: Vision Rooted in Personal Experience
Both Collier and Stewart have had decorated careers, but their experiences navigating the challenges of professional women’s basketball gave them a unique perspective.3
They understood the sacrifices players made and the toll that constant travel and overseas commitments could take on both personal and professional lives.
By launching Unrivaled, they weren’t just creating a league — they were building a movement. Their efforts aim to create a sustainable, empowering ecosystem for future generations of women athletes.
Their work has already inspired young players and drawn the attention of investors, sponsors, and fans eager to support a new era of women’s sports.
Red Carpet Meets Purpose: More Than Just a Glamorous Night
While the Time 100 Gala was a celebration of influence, innovation, and impact, it was also a powerful reminder of the importance of representation.
Seeing women athletes like Collier and Stewart recognized alongside leaders from diverse fields reinforced the idea that sports are a vital part of societal progress.
The night was filled with glitz and glamour, but underneath the shimmering gowns and flashing cameras was a message of hope, ambition, and the determination to make meaningful change.
Love, Legacy, and Leadership: Napheesa Collier’s Continued Rise
Napheesa Collier’s appearance at the Time 100 Gala symbolized more than personal success; it marked the beginning of an even bigger journey.
With her supportive husband by her side, Collier is not only building a remarkable career but also a lasting legacy.
Her leadership off the court, particularly in pioneering new spaces for women in sports, shows that she is committed to using her platform for good.
She embodies a new generation of athletes who are not content to simply compete — they are determined to change the game.
As Collier herself said, “We’re just getting started.”
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Napheesa Collier’s Unrivaled League Lands Major Star
Women’s basketball is experiencing a revolution, and leading that charge is Napheesa Collier’s Unrivaled league.
Designed to uplift, empower, and financially support players better than existing structures, Unrivaled just made its boldest move yet: signing college sensation Paige Bueckers.
The Dallas Wings’ newest star has officially inked a three-year deal that will pay her more in one season than her entire four-year WNBA rookie contract would have.
Let’s dive into the significance of this move and what it means for women’s sports going forward.
Unrivaled’s Meteoric Rise: Redefining the Playing Field
When Napheesa Collier and her co-founders launched Unrivaled, the goal was simple but ambitious: to offer an alternative that prioritized players’ financial stability, personal development, and overall well-being.
In just its first season, Unrivaled captured national attention. With modern facilities, shorter seasons, and salaries that compete with — or surpass — WNBA deals, the league became an immediate magnet for talent.
Unlike traditional leagues, Unrivaled also promises players a share in media rights and sponsorship revenues, making it a long-term investment opportunity for athletes.
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Breaking the Pay Barrier: A Long Overdue Change
The disparity between men’s and women’s professional basketball earnings has been a topic of conversation for years.
Traditionally, WNBA rookies earn between $70,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on their draft position. In contrast, even the lowest-paid NBA rookies earn over $1 million per year.
Bueckers’ Unrivaled contract sends a clear message: the market for women’s basketball talent is strong — and growing.
By offering competitive salaries, Unrivaled not only rewards players financially but also validates their worth on a global stage.
A League Built by Players, For Players
- One of the most compelling aspects of Unrivaled is that it was created by current and former WNBA players who understand firsthand the challenges of balancing life, finances, and professional sports.
- Napheesa Collier emphasized that Unrivaled would focus heavily on player-centered policies: from mental health resources to guaranteed off-seasons and flexibility for marketing opportunities.
- This isn’t just another league — it’s a movement, and Paige Bueckers’ signing amplifies that mission.
- Unrivaled’s approach signifies a broader cultural shift happening in sports: players are demanding more control over their careers, finances, and public image.
- In many ways, this is similar to the transformations we’ve seen in the NBA and NFL, where player empowerment has led to unprecedented movement and influence.
- Paige Bueckers represents the face of this new era in women’s sports — one where athletes have more say over how, when, and where they play.
Napheesa Collier: The WNBA’s Response
Adapt or Risk Losing Talent
Unrivaled’s success is forcing the WNBA to reassess its player compensation, travel conditions, and overall infrastructure.
If they hope to retain emerging talents like Caitlin Clark, JuJu Watkins, and others, the WNBA will need to evolve quickly.
Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has already hinted at upcoming changes to salary caps and expansion teams, but the clock is ticking. The player-driven era is here, and organizations that don’t adapt will fall behind.
Fan Engagement
Another advantage Unrivaled is leaning into is fan experience. The league has emphasized intimate venues, player-fan interaction, and innovative streaming options to keep audiences engaged year-round.
With stars like Bueckers joining the league, the opportunity to build a loyal, energized fan base is bigger than ever.
Fans today want more access and authenticity from their favorite athletes — and Unrivaled is providing just that.
A Lasting Legacy
By choosing Unrivaled over traditional routes, Paige Bueckers isn’t just making a business decision — she’s setting a precedent for the next generation of athletes.
Young girls watching her journey will see that there are now multiple paths to success in professional basketball, each offering new forms of empowerment and visibility.
If Unrivaled thrives — and early signs suggest it will — Bueckers will be remembered not just for her moves on the court, but for her role in changing the game off it.
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