Could a new basketball league become the WNBA's unexpected safety net? Recent comments from a Liberty star are fueling speculation and raising some serious questions about the future of the WNBA. Let's dive into what's happening.
For years, WNBA players have sought opportunities to stay sharp during the off-season. Two leagues, Unrivaled and Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball, have emerged as key options, allowing players to train and compete without having to travel overseas. While some WNBA stars enjoy playing internationally, the option isn't for everyone, and these two leagues have become havens for players with varying preferences.
But here's where it gets controversial... These leagues have also sparked debate regarding potential conflicts of interest. Unrivaled, notably, was co-founded by New York Liberty's Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier. This raises the question: Can a league co-founded by active WNBA players truly remain impartial? And this is the part most people miss... The emergence of these leagues has also led to speculation about their potential role if a strike were to occur before the 2026 WNBA season. Could these leagues sustain WNBA players – or at least a significant portion of them – if the WNBA faces a work stoppage?
Natasha Cloud seemingly added fuel to the fire during a recent conversation on the "Be Great Academy Podcast." In a clip that quickly circulated on social media, Cloud stated, "I feel like I can’t say that there is or there isn’t (a back up plan) coz I’m not 100% sure, but I know Unrivaled is prepared in so many different instances and the biggest one being that we own the space that we play in." Essentially, Cloud suggested that Unrivaled possesses the infrastructure and resources to potentially serve as a fallback option for players.
She continued, "So if we wanted to stay here as the players of Unrivaled with equity in this league and with space, financial money, all that stuff, we could stay here, train, play, put on another season if need be. So that’s a beautiful thing, and that’s why I’m so appreciative to be a part of a league like Unrivaled.” This statement implies Unrivaled could provide a viable alternative for players should labor negotiations with the WNBA break down.
Unrivaled currently operates as a 3x3 professional basketball league. However, it's not entirely far-fetched to imagine a scenario where the league pivots to a more traditional 5x5 format. And consider this: Unrivaled could potentially expand its number of teams to accommodate even more WNBA players who aren't currently on their roster. This potential shift is purely speculative at this point. There are many unknowns, such as the timeline for such a change, the logistical challenges involved, and the number of additional players that could be accommodated.
Currently, Unrivaled’s second season boasts a roster of 54 players. The WNBA, in contrast, has approximately 150-160 players. This means a significant number of athletes could still find themselves without a playing opportunity if the 2026 WNBA season faces delays due to a strike.
It’s important to note that both the WNBA and the WNBPA (the players' union) are actively engaged in negotiations, and by all accounts, doing so in good faith. While the latest CBA extension expired on January 9th, both sides have publicly stated their commitment to reaching a new agreement before the 2026 season. Optimism remains high that a deal will be struck.
However, Cloud's comments likely didn't emerge from thin air. It's only logical that players are discussing potential contingency plans in case a strike is authorized. It's also understandable that many would hope Unrivaled could provide a solution.
Here's a key question: Could Unrivaled's potential pivot to 5x5 basketball and its ability to offer equity to players fundamentally change the landscape of women's professional basketball? Could it create a power dynamic where players have more leverage during CBA negotiations? Or is this all just speculation? What are your thoughts on the role of alternative leagues like Unrivaled in the future of the WNBA? Do you think they represent a threat to the WNBA's dominance, or a valuable safety net for players? Let your voice be heard in the comments below!
