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Unrivaled, a women’s three-on-three basketball league, has successfully closed its Series C funding round at over $100 million, exceeding its original target. The achievement values the organization at $650 million and marks significant momentum for the sports venture. The funding round was anchored by Ten Pillars Sports Fund, which is supported by UC Investments, the investment management arm of the University of California system.
The league attracted an impressive roster of high-profile investors spanning entertainment, sports, and business sectors. Notable participants included NBA star Carmelo Anthony, actor Ashton Kutcher, soccer champion Alex Morgan, basketball coach Geno Auriemma, and venture capital firms such as Bessemer Venture Partners. Founded in 2023 by professional basketball players Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, Unrivaled operates under a player-centric business model that grants athletes equity stakes alongside salaries and benefits.
The investment underscores strong confidence in women’s basketball’s commercial potential. Player equity in the league has surged over 550% since its inception and currently represents approximately $200 million in value. The league’s third season is scheduled to begin in January 2027 with nationwide coverage on TNT Sports, part of Warner Bros. Discovery. The organization noted that its second season generated record-breaking attendance figures, expanded merchandise sales, and heightened fan engagement metrics.
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Originally reported by Variety →
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