Sports
How Unrivaled became a welcome alternative for WNBA players’ overseas offseasons
Chelsea Gray has made a habit of competing internationally during her WNBA offseasons. For nearly a decade, the Las Vegas Aces star would pack her bags after the W season concluded and fly to compete for teams in Israel, Spain and Turkey as a way to work on her game, travel the world and supplement her income during the winter.
A few years ago, away from the spotlight while playing in Turkey, she started wondering what was next in her career and her life. She had just turned 30, had won championships and established herself as one of the best in the game. Playing overseas every winter meant months away from some of her family and friends, and a risk that she was missing opportunities to grow her brand.
So when she was approached two years ago by executives creating a new U.S. women’s basketball league, Gray was intrigued, and she became the first non-founding player selected for the league.
“(Unrivaled) changes the game, being able to make money while still being here, being with our family,” she said. “It’s been really, really cool that it’s come to be what it is.”
Co-founded by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, the new modified full-court 3×3 league has attracted many of the sport’s top players, such as Gray, who have opted against overseas competition this winter in hopes of establishing a new winter home for women’s basketball. The league debuts Friday in Miami, with six teams who boast some of the most notable names in the sport such as Angel Reese, Sabrina Ionescu, Jewell Loyd and Brittney Griner.
The First 36 are Unrivaled 👑
Watch them on TNT, TruTV and Max all season long. pic.twitter.com/RNbSFwuXK4
— Unrivaled Basketball (@Unrivaledwbb) January 16, 2025
For decades, American women’s basketball players have wrestled with career decisions every winter: Stay home to recuperate, work on marketing deals and spend time with family or spend winters abroad in Russia, China, Turkey, Italy, Israel and Spain. Many of the world’s best followed Gray’s routine of overseas play.
Now, with the launch of Unrivaled, more top-tier WNBA players than ever have elected to stay in the U.S. this offseason. Unrivaled’s goal isn’t to stop international leagues from signing top American players, but it’s a trend many involved believe will continue if the league is successful.
Collier, a star for the Minnesota Lynx, and Stewart, an MVP for the New York Liberty, aim to offer comparable domestic offseason competition and compensation to their colleagues.
“I think overseas is still a great option,” Collier said. “We just think it shouldn’t be your only option, so we wanted to give players other things that they could do in their home (country). … We’re not trying to take away any other option that you had before. We’re trying to expand upon that.”
They said that keeping many of the world’s best players in the U.S. during the WNBA offseason will help grow the sport more broadly. While formulating the idea during a discussion about Collier’s year-round basketball experience, she and her husband, Alex Bazzell, who is also the league president, talked about wanting to optimize player experiences. Unrivaled executives describe that aspect as its “North Star.”
“(We were) trying to make women’s basketball continue to be relevant in the offseason from a professional standpoint,” Stewart said, “and be a way where people are able to build their brands.”
Playing internationally significantly supplements the income of WNBA players, whose seasonal salaries range from around $60,000 to nearly $250,000. Overseas contracts can sometimes double that, if not pay even more.
GO DEEPER
Overseas pay for WNBA players may not be as much as you’ve heard. Can the W use this to its advantage?
Unrivaled promises to pay players the highest average salary in American women’s sports league history. Players earn an average salary of more than $200,000 for the 10-week season, and participants in its inaugural campaign also receive equity.
Unrivaled, Collier said, was founded on the principle that WNBA players “deserve compensation and ownership that reflect their value.” They understood player development and high-quality amenities like a sauna, cold tub and weight room were central to piquing players’ interest and support.
“We’re not playing for anybody because we’re all owners of this,” said Unrivaled wing Rhyne Howard, who’s played three seasons for the Atlanta Dream. “The equity in this, that’s something that’s definitely different but also is very helpful in the long run.”
Despite the many benefits of Unrivaled, Connecticut Sun guard Marina Mabrey still wrestled with her options. She had largely positive, career-altering experiences overseas while competing in Latvia, Israel, Australia, Italy and Turkey. She credits her time in Latvia in 2019 for her weight loss, more dedicated work ethic and skills development. She has appreciated the cultural experiences and the work-life balance abroad.
“I learned to love myself,” she said. “I had to love myself again and my whole career changed after that.”
So while some of her peers jumped at the opportunity to play in Unrivaled, Mabrey’s decision was more difficult. She considered playing this offseason in China and Turkey, two countries that have historically compensated top WNBA players well. She weighed another seven-month season abroad against the 10-week Unrivaled calendar. Travel was another consideration: Unrivaled will occur at a single site in Miami, and Mabrey wanted a break from the long flights and bus rides that can come with international competition.
Salary was important, too, but it wasn’t everything to her. She wanted to compete against top competition, have access to the amenities and training resources Unrivaled offered, receive equity in the league and also support Unrivaled as a new venture created by her colleagues.
“Having Unrivaled give that opportunity to play 3×3 and … only be 10 weeks, and obviously the financial part of it is great,” Mabrey said. “It’s about what do I need right now? And this is exactly what I needed.”
For other veteran players, the overseas calendar, which caused them to miss winter holidays, became a breaking point.
“Stay with our families for the holidays but still be able to hoop with some of the best in the world: It was kinda a no-brainer for this point in my career,” said 11-year WNBA veteran Kayla McBride, who had played abroad since her rookie season. She carved out one of the most prolific EuroLeague careers in recent seasons with the Turkish powerhouse Fenerbahçe but will compete for Unrivaled this winter.
Brand-building was another appeal of the new league. Unrivaled has partnered with high-profile companies (Under Armour, Samsung Galaxy, State Farm, Wilson and Sephora), and games will air on TNT and stream on Max. Players recognized the opportunity to form new relationships with some of the sponsors.
“Different brands and partnerships (came) in that are different from the WNBA, and hopefully (they will) continue to expand their reach to other players,” Stewart said.
Plus, by remaining in the U.S., players can still make endorsement appearances and maintain broader relevance. Guard Natasha Cloud said players typically leave and go overseas and it’s “blackout season.” But now?
“I can be here and fulfill marketing deals and compete against other women who are the best in the league,” said Unrivaled big Satou Sabally, who has spent her first five WNBA seasons with the Dallas Wings.
Stewart traveled to Istanbul for a partial season with Fenerbahçe in 2022. (She did not compete last season largely for family reasons.) She said that was likely her last time playing professionally abroad.
“I think that overseas door is kinda closed (for me),” said Stewart, who has played more than a half-decade at top clubs in China, Turkey and Russia. “Especially with the way that we’ve set things up. What we’re doing here is really, really special. I think there’s so many things that I love about it, but the fact that we have the top people here, that was the missing thing when we played overseas.”
GO DEEPER
Can Unrivaled’s 3×3 style benefit WNBA players?
Not all of the WNBA’s best players are in Unrivaled. Three-time WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson and rookie sensation Caitlin Clark are among the league’s notable absences, opting to take time away from formal competition while also training privately.
International leagues still drew some top WNBA players who likely would have been offered spots on Unrivaled teams. Kamilla Cardoso and Kelsey Mitchell, for instance, are playing in China, while Tina Charles, Ariel Atkins and Natasha Howard are in Turkey. But of last year’s 24 WNBA All-Stars, only three are scheduled to play abroad this winter. (Jonquel Jones said in October she planned to play in China this offseason, but she has yet to debut. Mitchell is in China while Brionna Jones is playing in Prague.)
Considering Unrivaled’s calendar, it’s possible that in future seasons the league’s players could still compete internationally in the fall (or even in the waning weeks of EuroLeague competition at the end of March and into April before WNBA training camps begin). But even if some of the original Unrivaled 36 play abroad again, the number of WNBA stars choosing to do so seems likely to diminish if the league thrives.
Collier had two stints with Fenerbahçe last season, and though she doesn’t officially rule out a return to an international club, she said it would be “really hard” for her to do so for family reasons. (Collier’s daughter turns 3 in May.) Aliyah Boston, who will be in her third season with the Fever this spring, said that as a self-described homebody, she recognized years ago that she wanted to spend her offseason in the U.S., not playing time zones apart from those she’s closest with. Not surprisingly, she is excited for Unrivaled’s present and future — one that she expects to feature a next generation of women’s basketball stars.
“People not only dream of being in the W, but they’re like now I want to be one of the top players to get in Unrivaled (too),” Boston said.
Of course, players have yet to record any Unrivaled statistics, and the first game, let alone the first season, has yet to be completed. Still, those involved are optimistic about how Unrivaled could change offseason routines for the better.
“Five years from now,” Reese said, “this thing is going to be bigger than ever.”
(Illustration: Will Tullos / The Athletic; Photos: Courtesy of Unrivaled)
Sports
Bryce Harper hits for cycle, Kyle Schwarber blasts three homers in Phillies blowout win over Mets
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
The Phillies’ turnaround following the dismissal of manager Rob Thomson reached a new milestone when two of the franchise’s biggest stars delivered a historic performance.
Kyle Schwarber launched three home runs, including two in the third inning, while Bryce Harper completed the cycle to add yet another achievement to his accomplished career.
The offensive explosion powered Philadelphia to a 15-3 rout of the New York Mets on Saturday, as the Phillies continued their surge and received a signature performance from two of the game’s most recognizable stars.
Philadelphia Phillies’ Kyle Schwarber celebrates his home run with Bryce Harper during the third inning against the New York Mets in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on June 20, 2026. (Chris Szagola/AP)
Schwarber’s first home run traveled 456 feet, while his second blast of the third inning measured 457 feet off Mets reliever Cionel Pérez.
He capped his night with a two-run homer in the seventh inning. Schwarber’s major league-leading home run total climbed to 28, and the performance marked the fifth three-homer game of his career.
Cristopher Sanchez allowed one earned run in six innings to lower his ERA to 1.80.
It’s his 23rd straight start at Citizens Bank Park in which he allowed two earned runs or fewer, the second-most such starts by a pitcher at the same ballpark in MLB history since 1913, trailing only Jacob deGrom’s 24 at Citi Field for the Mets from Sept. 9, 2019 to Aug. 31, 2022.
ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!
Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber of the Philadelphia Phillies leave the field after defeating the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on June 20, 2026. (Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
Schwarber is the 67th player in major league history and second this season with multiple home runs in an inning, joining Houston’s Yordan Alvarez on June 12.
Schwarber is the fourth Phillies player to hit two home runs in an inning, along with Trea Turner (Aug. 19, 2023), Von Hayes (June 11, 1985) and Andy Seminick (June 2, 1949).
Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber hits a solo home run in the bottom of the third inning against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on June 20, 2026. (Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Harper hit a solo home run in the first inning, his 16th of the year. He doubled and singled in the third, then hit a two-run triple to the gap in left-center field in the fifth for his first career cycle and the 11th in Phillies history.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
The Phillies and Mets will wrap up their three-game series Sunday night, with first pitch set for 7:20 p.m. ET.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is well into the second run of group play, with every team still eager to post wins and most looking to secure a place in the knockout stage.
Here’s everything you need to know about matches being played Sunday, Monday and Tuesday in the 48-team tournament across the U.S., Mexico and Canada (all times Pacific). Tuesday’s matches will conclude the first two games of group play for every team at the World Cup.
Sunday’s Group G matchups:
Belgium vs. Iran
Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku, right, is challenged by Egypt’s Ramy Rabia during a World Cup Group G match on June 15.
(Alex Grimm / Getty Images)
Where: SoFi Stadium
Time: noon
TV: FS1, Telemundo
The buzz: Iran twice rallied from deficits to draw with New Zealand in its first game, while Belgium, outplayed by Egypt in its opener, was lucky to escape with a point on an own goal early in the second half. Belgium’s aging golden generation of Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, Thibaut Courtois, Thomas Meunier and Axel Witsel is going to need to do much better if they hope to avoid another early World Cup exit.
New Zealand vs. Egypt
New Zealand’s Callan Elliot, left, and Iran’s Mehdi Ghayedi battle for the ball during a World Cup Group G match on June 15.
(Andre Penner / Associated Press)
Where: BC Place, Vancouver
Time: 6 p.m.
TV: FS1, Telemundo
The buzz: One of these teams could make history since neither has ever won a World Cup game. New Zealand earned its first point in the World Cup since 2010 with a draw against Iran. The winner likely advances to the next round.
Sunday’s Group H matchups:
Spain vs. Saudi Arabia
Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal, top, challenges for the ball during a draw with Cape Verde on June 15.
(Mattia Ozbot / Getty Images)
Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
Time: 9 a.m.
TV: Fox, Telemundo
The buzz: Both teams opened the World Cup with surprising results. Second-ranked Spain was unable to score in a draw with No. 67 Cape Verde. Saudi Arabia was 10 minutes away from upsetting Uruguay, only to settle for a tie. Spain desperately needs a win to get its World Cup back on track, while another good performance from Saudi Arabia — unbeaten in its last three games — would have the Arabian Falcons in position to reach the knockout stage.
Uruguay vs. Cape Verde
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha holds the nation’s flag after a draw with Spain on June 15.
(Buda Mendes / Getty Images)
Where: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Fla.
Time: 3 p.m.
TV: FS1, Telemundo
The buzz: With all four teams playing to draws in their openers, the group is wide open. That creates a rare opportunity for tournament debutant Cape Verde, the second-smallest country to qualify for a World Cup. Vozinha, Cape Verde’s goalkeeper, made seven saves to shut out Spain. If he can frustrate Uruguay the same way, Cape Verde could be through to the round of 32.
Monday’s Group J matchups:
Argentina vs. Austria
Argentina’s Lionel Messi reacts after scoring his third goal against Algeria at the World Cup on June 16.
(Charlie Riedel / Associated Press)
Where: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Time: 10 a.m.
TV: Fox, Telemundo
The buzz: Argentina opened its World Cup title defense with a 3-0 win over Algeria on a hat trick from Lionel Messi. The Argentina captain, playing in his record sixth World Cup, is tied with Germany’s Miroslav Klose for the most career World Cup goals (16). Austria, meanwhile, would all but assure itself of a spot in the knockout round with a point.
Jordan vs. Algeria
Algeria’s Zineddine Belaïd kicks the ball during a World Cup loss to Argentina on June 16.
(Michael Steele / Getty Images)
Where: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, Calif.
Time: 8 p.m.
TV: FS1, Telemundo
The buzz: Little was expected of Jordan, making its first appearance in the World Cup. And it delivered little in a 3-1 loss to Austria. But Algeria, ranked 28th in the world, entered the tournament with high hopes and one of African soccer’s most potent attacks. However, it had only one shot on goal in its loss to Argentina and needs a big rebound to avoid an early trip home.
Monday’s Group I matches:
France vs. Iraq
France’s Kylian Mbappé celebrates after scoring against Senegal on June 16.
(Adam Hunger / Ap Photo/adam Hunger)
Where: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
Time: 2 p.m.
TV: Fox, Telemundo
The buzz: Kylian Mbappé proved his fitness with a brace in France’s opening win over Senegal, giving him 14 World Cup goals, tied for fourth on the all-time list. He has a great chance to pad that total against an Iraq team that gave up four goals to Norway. Iraq still is looking for its first-ever World Cup point.
Norway vs. Senegal
Norway’s Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring against Iraq on June 16.
(Justin Setterfield / Getty Images)
Where: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J.
Time: 5 p.m.
TV: Fox, Telemundo
The buzz: Norway, playing in its first World Cup this century, made up for lost time with a 4-1 win in its opener, getting two goals from Erling Haaland. Norway probably will move on to the next round no matter what happens, but a point would lock down a spot. Senegal and Sadio Mané, on the other hand, desperately need a win.
Tuesday’s Group K matchups:
Portugal vs. Uzbekistan
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo walks on the field during a match against the Democratic Republic of the Congo on June 17.
(Molly Darlington / Getty Images)
Where: NRG Stadium, Houston
Time: 10 a.m.
TV: Fox, Telemundo
The buzz: Cristiano Ronaldo entered this World Cup with visions of winning his first title. But he’ll go home early and empty-handed unless fifth-ranked Portugal improves on the listless performance it had in a draw with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Uzbekistan, playing in its first World Cup, was not intimidated by the big stage, weathering a withering Colombia attack in a 3-1 loss. Expect it to bunker in again against Portugal.
Colombia vs. DR Congo
Yoane Wissa, left, celebrates with teammates after scoring for the Democratic Republic of the Congo against Portugal on June 17.
(Karen Warren / Associated Press)
Where: Estadio Akron, Zapopan, Mexico
Time: 7 p.m.
TV: FS1, Telemundo
The buzz: The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s only other World Cup appearance came in 1974, when the country was known as Zaire; it lost all three games and didn’t score a goal. It’s already done better with Yoane Wissa’s score in first-half stoppage time giving the team a point against Portugal. A win here and it’s through to the knockout phase. The same is true of Colombia, which got a 65th-minute goal from Luis Díaz and another from substitute Jáminton Campaz deep in stoppage time to beat stubborn Uzbekistan.
Tuesday’s Group L matchups:
England vs. Ghana
England’s Harry Kane celebrates after scoring against Croatia on June 17.
(Tony Gutierrez / Associated Press)
Where: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Mass.
Time: 1 p.m.
TV: Fox, Telemundo
The buzz: England opened its World Cup with a surprisingly comfortable win over Croatia behind two goals from captain Harry Kane. But the Three Lions are only equal atop the table with Ghana, which got a goal deep in stoppage time from Caleb Yirenkyi to beat Panama. If there’s a winner here, it probably will decide the group. A point likely sends both teams through.
Panama vs. Croatia
Where: BMO Stadium, Toronto
Time: 4 p.m.
TV: Fox, Telemundo
Panama’s Ismael Díaz attempts a shot against Ghana on June 17.
(Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images)
The buzz: Croatia has played in two straight World Cup semifinals, but that streak is in jeopardy after a 4-2 loss to England. Panama outshot, outpassed and outpossessed Ghana in its first game but came away with nothing after conceding a goal in stoppage time, leaving the Central Americans still looking for their first World Cup win.
Sports
Jazz Chisholm explains why he still won’t wear a cup after fouling a pitch into his own groin
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Men around the country are still wincing from the sight of New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. fouling a pitch straight into his own groin.
It was bad enough that Chisholm had to leave the game, and it left many wondering why he wasn’t wearing a cup to protect himself.
Well, now we have an answer.
ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!
New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. took a brutal shot to the groin on Thursday night. (Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images)
Yankees beat writer Gary Philips shared some quotes from Chisholm explaining why he wasn’t a cup guy before taking a foul ball to the cojones, and why he isn’t going to be a cup guy moving forward.
WEEKS AFTER BULLFIGHTER SUFFERED PERFORATED RECTUM, ANOTHER WAS GORED IN GROIN AND REQUIRED EMERGENCY SURGERY
Chisholm said that the pain level was a “million,” and that, “If you ever got hit in the testicles, you would know.”
Most males reading this just nodded at that statement.
But Chisholm revealed that despite cups being mandatory in the minor leagues, he still skipped them and will continue to because he trusts his own defensive abilities.
“I’ve never worn a cup,” he said. “I’ve never been hit in the balls. That was just unlucky.”
Now, there are times when I wonder why men don’t wear cups all the time just for some peace of mind (I feel that way about helmets too). You wouldn’t regret not wearing a cup until the moment you’re at a cookout and a rogue volleyball puts you in shambles.
But I also like that Chisholm trusts himself to react and protect the boys. I’ve always said that a fairly significant part of a man’s life is devoted to protecting his lower anatomy.
You’re ever vigilant, trying to steer clear of anything that could leave you doubled over on the ground, and spouting off every expletive you know and several others you didn’t realize you knew.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. says he’ll rely on his defensive abilities instead of wearing a cup moving forward. (David Richard-Imagn Images)
Waist-high branches, table corners, projectiles, bicycle seats, even a pet jumping in your lap when you’re not ready.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Chisholm is self-aware enough to know where his self-preservation reflexes stand, and I respect that.
But if he takes another foul ball to the lower area of his body, he might want to start rethinking that stance on cups.
-
Delaware4 minutes agoModest Delaware Home Boasts Incredible Connections to American History Over 250 Years
-
Florida7 minutes ago8 Best Small Towns On Florida’s Emerald Coast For A Crowd-Free Summer
-
Idaho11 minutes agoRenewing a Sanctuary for Salmon and People
-
Georgia12 minutes agoGeorgia football trying to flip Grayson CB recruit
-
Hawaii18 minutes ago
I took my 30-year-old son on a vacation to Hawaii. We had to set ground rules first.
-
Illinois27 minutes agoLake County detectives rescue girl from man they say drove to Illinois from Georgia to meet her
-
Indiana34 minutes agoUS Education Department Oks Indiana Waiver To ‘Streamline’ Education Spending
-
Iowa36 minutes agoEmmy-winning TV anchor gets choked up as he quits job and journalism — and slams his station live on air
