Angel Reese has announced her participation in the new Unrivaled basketball league. Reese is the tenth athlete to join the ranks of Unrivaled, an announcement that has left fans and followers of the sport in a state of eager anticipation.
A press release back in May gave us a look into the structure of the Unrivaled League. The league will start with 30 players, divided amongst six teams. The game format is an intense 3 vs. 3 on a compressed full court. Unrivaled is set to make history by offering the highest average salary in women's professional sports league history.
"For years, women have relied heavily on off-court sponsorships for a majority of their income," Brianna Stewart said. "With Unrivaled, we're revolutionizing the game by prioritizing investments in our stars and ensuring their on-court performance is reflected in their pay."
Angel Reese is a standout from a loaded WNBA rookie class, and no stranger to the spotlight. She shot to fame during her college career where she led LSU to a national title with a win over the Iowa Hawkeyes in the 2023 NCAA tournament. Her accolades include being named SEC Player of the Year and a three-time All-American before entering the WNBA.
Reese's rookie season in the WNBA with the Chicago Sky has been nothing short of extraordinary. She was selected as the No. 7 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA draft and has been turning heads ever since. Reese has been named to the All-Star Game and averages a double-double with 13.5 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game. She set a WNBA record with double-doubles in 15 consecutive games.
As the WNBA heads into the offseason, fans can look forward to watching Reese continue to dazzle on the court in the Unrivaled League. This will give her an opportunity to further hone her skills ahead of her second season in the WNBA.
With its unique format, star power, and commitment to elevating the status of women's professional sports, the Unrivaled League is all set to change the game. Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the January 2025 kickoff.