The “Unrivaled” Basketball League which completed its inaugural season earlier this year, has shattered expectations in women’s professional sports. With an impressive average viewership of 221,000 viewers on TNT and truTV simulcast coverage throughout the season, the league generated over $27 million in revenue which is a remarkable achievement for a first-year venture.
Basketball fans witnessed a captivating season narrative as Rose BC, after struggling initially, staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Vinyl BC (62-54) in the championship on March 17. And now the 3-on-3 basketball league’s founders, Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart are getting the love that they deserve.
Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart Stun Fans in Their Latest Appearance
Just days after being named in “TIME’s 100 Most Influential People of 2025”, the two WNBA superstars graced the red carpet at the “TIME 100 Gala” at Lincoln Center in New York.
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Their appearance at the TIME100 Gala turned heads, and fans were here for every moment.
Collier arrived at the gala with her husband, Alex Bazzell, by her side. The couple, who began dating during their junior year at UConn and now share a daughter, Mila Sarah Bazzell, were the epitome of elegance.
But it was Phee’s stunning dark grey slit bodycon dress that had fans doing double takes. Graceful, powerful, and unapologetically glamorous — just like her game.
“Phee looks absolutely stunning,” wrote one fan.
Longtime fans couldn’t help but reminisce as they saw Collier and Stewart share the red carpet. Both were dominant forces at the University of Connecticut.
Stewart led the Huskies to four NCAA championships from 2013 to 2016, while Collier carved out her legacy shortly after earning National Player of the Year honors. Though they now play for rival teams in the WNBA, Collier with the Minnesota Lynx and Stewart with the New York Liberty their partnership off the court remains unshakable.
Together, they’ve become business pioneers with “Unrivaled”, proving that greatness transcends the scoreboard.
“My lovely UConn women’s!” said one fan.
For years, women’s basketball has battled for the spotlight in a sports world dominated by men’s leagues. But the tide is turning. With players like Collier and Stewart leading the charge — not just in gameplay, but in media, entrepreneurship, and advocacy — fans are finally seeing the respect these athletes have long earned.
Their inclusion in TIME’s top 100 isn’t just a win for them but it’s a win for every young girl watching.
“I’m so happy they are getting the recognition they deserve,” wrote one user.
While Collier and Stewart undeniably stole the spotlight at the TIME100 Gala, a few fans couldn’t help but wonder about another name who has been making waves in women’s basketball — Caitlin Clark. After revolutionizing the sport with her record-breaking college career and electrifying performances, Clark was named “TIME’s Athlete of the Year” last December.
Her absence at the event sparked conversations online, as many hoped to see all three trailblazers celebrated together.
“Caitlin should have been there,” wrote one fan.
At the TIME100 Gala we can say that Collier and Stewart weren’t just attendees but they were icons in the making. As founders, athletes, and changemakers, their influence is reshaping the future of women’s sports.
Collier’s Plan for the Unrivaled League
The first season of “Unrivaled” was nothing short of a breakthrough success, capturing attention across the sports world with its fresh format and electric energy. But for the second season, co-founder Collier has her eyes set on even bigger goals.
Speaking at the second annual “CNBC Changemakers Summit” in Los Angeles on April 8, Collier sat down with CNBC’s Julia Boorstin to discuss her vision for the league’s future
“It was year one, and it’s like, you have an idea and sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. We were changing things in real time, so we’re hoping to improve the fan experience and make it even better for the players — so growth is what we’re looking at,” said Collier.
As mentioned before the league’s debut season earned over $27 million in revenue which means the fans were thrilled by the experience. Moreover players walked away even happier, earning an average salary of more than $220,000.
With such a strong foundation, all eyes are now on what new changes Collier and the “Unrivaled” team will roll out next.