Unrivaled Women’s Basketball League Expands to Eight Teams with More TV Games on TNT

The Unrivaled women’s basketball league is growing for its second season. Co-founded by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, the 3-on-3 league will feature eight teams starting January 5. Its broadcast footprint is also expanding significantly on TNT Sports.

This expansion includes a fourth night of weekly games. The move aims to improve player health and bring more high-energy action to fans. It underscores the league’s rapid growth following a promising debut.

New Schedule Eliminates Back-to-Back Games for Players

Unrivaled will now air games on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. The season will run for eight weeks. Friday and Monday games will be on TNT, TruTV, and HBO Max.

Saturday and Sunday matchups will air on TruTV and HBO Max. The new Sunday slot is a key addition. It allows the league to eliminate back-to-back games for athletes.

Four teams will play on Friday and Sunday each week. The other four teams will play on Saturday and Monday. According to The Hollywood Reporter, this change came directly from player feedback.

League officials prioritized athlete health in the offseason. Protecting players for both Unrivaled and the WNBA season was paramount. This player-centric approach is a core philosophy.

TNT Sports Enhances Broadcasts to Capture Arena Energy

TNT Sports is revamping its production for Year Two. The goal is to better translate the live arena experience to television. The league’s custom-built Miami arena will feature more fans in primary camera shots.

Last season, a large video wall was more prominent on screen. The new setup aims to amplify the venue’s contagious energy. TNT executives want viewers to feel the game’s intensity from home.

Average viewership for the inaugural season was 221,000 per simulcast. That is a strong start for a new league with a unique format. The audience on TNT skewed about 60% female.

That demographic is notably higher than for other women’s sports broadcasts. It shows Unrivaled is successfully building its own fan base. The league will also host a road game in Philadelphia on January 30.

With strategic expansion and enhanced broadcasts, the Unrivaled women’s basketball league is positioning itself for a breakout second season. Its partnership with TNT Sports continues to be a cornerstone of its growth strategy.

Info at your fingertips

What is the Unrivaled basketball league format?

Unrivaled is a professional 3-on-3 women’s basketball league. It was co-founded by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart. The fast-paced format differs from the traditional 5-on-5 game.

When does the new Unrivaled season start?

The second season tips off on January 5, 2025. The schedule runs for eight consecutive weeks. Games will be played across four nights each week.

How many people watched Unrivaled games last season?

According to reports, games averaged 221,000 viewers on TNT and TruTV simulcasts. The audience on TNT was approximately 60% female. This indicated strong early interest in the new league.

Why is the league expanding to eight teams?

The expansion allows for a more robust schedule and reduces physical strain on players. It also creates more roster spots for elite professional athletes. Growth signals confidence from the league’s founders and broadcast partner.

Will Unrivaled games be played in different cities?

Yes, the league will host a road game in Philadelphia on January 30. Most games are held in a purpose-built arena in Miami. The Philadelphia event will test the league’s atmosphere in a larger NBA venue.