The Unrivaled 1-on-1 tournament is quickly becoming one of the most anticipated events in women’s basketball. Built around pure isolation play and elite shot-making, the event strips the game down to its most competitive form: one player, one defender, and nowhere to hide. With the 2026 edition set to tip off in February, fans are already circling their calendars.
Here’s everything you need to know about how to watch, when it starts, and which stars are expected to compete.
When is the Unrivaled 1v1 Tournament?
The second annual Unrivaled 1v1 tournament takes place in February 2026, unfolding over multiple days. It begins with early-round matchups before building toward the semifinals and championship showdown.
Games follow Unrivaled’s unique 1-on-1 format: contests are played to 11 points or a 10-minute running clock, whichever comes first. The “make-it, take-it” rule adds even more intensity, rewarding offensive rhythm while forcing defenders to lock in on every possession. The events span three nights.
Here’s the exact daily schedule of the structured, bracket-style events.
- First Round: Wednesday, February 11–7:00 p.m. ET
- Second Round & Quarterfinals: Friday, February 13–7:30 p.m. ET
- Semifinals & Championship: Saturday, February 14–6:00 p.m. ET
How to watch Unrivaled 1v1: TV, streaming and more
The Unrivaled 1-on-1 tournament will be broadcast nationally through the league’s official media partners. In the United States, games are available on TNT Sports platforms, including live television coverage on TNT.
The event is also available to stream, making it easy for fans to tune in from multiple devices.
How to Stream Unrivaled 1v1?
For viewers who prefer streaming, the tournament can be watched live through HBO Max. People can also watch the entire contest on platforms like Hulu + Live TV and DirecTV.
For HBO Max subscriptions, you can pay $18.49/month or $22.99/month for a standard or premium plan to watch live sporting events.
You can also catch all the action on TNT’s digital platforms or truTV.
This ensures fans can follow every matchup in real time, whether on a smart TV, laptop, tablet, or mobile device.
International availability may vary, but select global streaming partners are expected to carry coverage depending on the region.
Which players are competing in Unrivaled 1 vs 1?
The Unrivaled 1v1 field features some of the biggest names in women’s basketball. The 2026 tournament includes stars such as,
- Paige Bueckers
- Breanna Stewart
- Kelsey Mitchell
- Allisha Gray
The bracket typically features top-seeded players based on league performance, creating compelling early-round matchups and potential heavyweight clashes in the later stages.
Because the format emphasizes isolation scoring, perimeter shot creation, and defensive versatility, conditioning becomes a decisive factor. Guards with elite handles and wings who can score at all three levels tend to thrive. But the tournament has already proven that size and strength can be equally dominant.
Here’s how the updated second round matchups look this year:
Pod A
- No. 1 Kelsey Mitchell vs. No. 5 Veronica Burton
- No. 2 Kelsey Plum vs. No. 7 Natisha Hiedeman
Pod B
- No. 1 Paige Bueckers vs. No. 4 Arike Ogunbowale
- No. 2 Chelsea Gray vs. No. 3 Jackie Young
Pod C
- No. 1 Allisha Gray vs. No. 8 Saniya Rivers
- No. 6 Sonia Citron vs. No. 7 Rae Burrell
Pod D
- No. 1 Breanna Stewart vs. No. 4 Aliyah Boston
- No. 2 Aaliyah Edwards vs. No. 6 Shakira Austin
With multiple All-Stars colliding early, several heavyweight matchups are expected before the semifinals.
Why the Event Matters
Beyond the spotlight, there’s significant prize money on the line, adding an extra layer of intensity. With a $300,000 total prize pool and a $200,000 grand prize for the champion, the stakes are substantial.
But more than that, the Unrivaled 1v1 tournament offers something rare: a chance to see superstars operate without schemes, screens, or help defense. It’s basketball in its purest competitive form, and in February 2026, fans won’t want to miss a second of it.
