Unrivaled Scores Big: Secures Another Major Partnership Ahead Of Inaugural Tip-Off
By Melanie VanDerveer on January 10, 2025 at 6:45 PM EST
Unrivaled, the new professional women's basketball league, is redefining the landscape of women's sports with a revolutionary model focused on investing in its athletes.
Co-founded by Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, this 3-on-3 league is uniquely player-owned, offering equity opportunities to players, ensuring their vested interest in the league's success.
With the league's big debut just days away, Unrivaled recently announced another major partnership.
Unrivaled's First Game Is Set For January 17
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Unrivaled's inaugural season begins on January 17 and continues through March, concluding just before WNBA training camp begins in April.
The much-anticipated league shared the season's schedule on their Instagram page recently. They've also shared information on the players and teams, merchandise available for purchase, and ticket details.
Unrivaled will be based in Miami for the 2025 season. Each of the six teams - Mist BC, Laces BC, Phantom BC, Lunar Owls BC, Rose BC, and Vinyl BC - will play 14 games during the regular season, followed by playoffs set for March 16 to 18, 2025.
Samsung Electronics America, Inc. Partnered With Unrivaled
Unrivaled has been partnering with many major names and just added one more exciting partnership to the list.
Samsung Electronics America, Inc. has partnered with the groundbreaking professional women's basketball league to serve as its official technology and presenting partner. Samsung will be powering the league with smartphones, wearables, tablets, monitors, and headphones.
"Samsung is a brand that opens people up to new and different experiences – breaking barriers, redefining what's possible through our technology and celebrating differentiated human stories and points of view,” said Olga Suvorova, Vice President, Mobile eXperience Marketing at Samsung Electronics America, according to press release obtained by The Blast.
“That same spirit lies at the heart of Unrivaled and its groundbreaking mission to literally change the game for its players and fans. We are thrilled to serve as the league’s official technology partner and help bring our shared vision to life, from the innovative ways our Galaxy technology will take fans closer to the game, to celebrating the league’s athletes who each embrace pushing boundaries in their own right."
Samsung Galaxy Technology Will Enhance The Fan Experience
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Samsung will also play a huge role in the fan experience, pre, in, and post game, as well as during the broadcast.
The press release further explains, "The new, first-of-its-kind footage, content and enhancements – all captured and shared with Samsung Galaxy devices – will create meaningful connections, amplify each player’s unique style and passions, and bring fans closer to the action."
It was also revealed that Samsung's Galaxy Ring and Galaxy Watch will be integrated into Unrivaled's training program, and Samsung Galaxy tablets will "provide access to real-time data for each of the league's six teams and coaching staff."
“We’re grateful for Samsung’s incredible support and deep understanding of Unrivaled’s mission to deliver the best possible experience for players and fans,” said Alex Bazzell, Unrivaled President. “Samsung is elevating Unrivaled and empowering players in the way we both believe they deserve, and their partnership speaks volumes to the innovative vision for women’s basketball we’re creating together.”
Unrivaled Also Partnered With Other Big Names Ahead Of The First Season
Unrivaled has partnered with many amazing brands in the past few months.
About a week ago, Sephora took to social media to share the news that they partnered with Unrivaled.
"We’re in the game of empowerment. Excited to announce our partnership with @unrivaledbasketball," the video announcement was captioned. The video shows many of the players checking out the "Sephora Glam Room" and the gifts provided by the beauty brand.
As part of this empowering partnership, Sephora will be involved on and off the court; outfitting the new glam room at Unrivaled's purpose-built facility, as well as providing all the player's beauty needs throughout the season. The beauty giant will also be featured in on-court signage, as well as in other areas.
Another recent partnership is with Wilson Sporting Goods Co.
According to a press release obtained by The Blast, "The official ball, Wilson's EVO NXT basketball, features Extended Range Technology, an enhanced grip, soft touch, moisture-wicking surface, and laid-in channel along with a micro-touch cover that creates a double-layered grip for an authentic feel."
The ball is highlighted by the league's signature blue and official logo.
Other major sponsorships include TNT Sports, State Farm, Under Armour, Ally Financial, Miller Lite, Ticketmaster, and Mediapro North America.
Unrivaled Players Are Excited For What's To Come
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Each team took questions from the media recently and shared their thoughts on the new league.
Brittney Griner, who's on Phantom, said she's "looking forward to it."
"I felt like something was missing in my off season. I was used to playing year round then after everything that happened, I kind of felt like there was a void because I should be playing and not really being off honestly," she explained. "So it kind of hit me a little different. I wanted to go back to working honestly year round so I think this is just going to help me stay fresh."
Rose player, Angel Reese, said she's "excited to join the crew."
"I feel like I can pull from everybody on the team, if it's coming from leadership, veteran leadership, Lexie brings a lot of defense, Kah obviously, she's won a championship, she's done a lot and I've been watching these players since I was in college," she said. "And obviously, I have one year under my belt but just being able to get as much information as I can while I'm here."
Kate Martin, who will be playing for Laces, said Unrivaled is a "really good opportunity for me to play against some of the best players in the world."
"Any opportunity I get or you get, you just want to make the most of it," she said. "I'm really excited for the next 10 weeks and challenge myself against some of the best players in the world."
For more information about Unrivaled, visit their website.