The landscape of women’s college basketball just shifted in a major way. Yesterday, the Unrivaled League, a pioneering force in women’s professional basketball, made national headlines by announcing NIL (name, image, and likeness) deals for 14 elite women’s college basketball players. The move cements Unrivaled’s status as not just a disruptor, but a genuine leader in advancing women’s sports and empowering young athletes.

 

Who’s Joining the Unrivaled Family?

The new NIL class is an all-star lineup of the sport’s brightest young talents:

  • JuJu Watkins (USC)

  • Azzi Fudd, Sarah Strong (UConn)

  • Flau’jae Johnson, MiLaysia Fulwiley (LSU)

  • Hannah Hidalgo (Notre Dame)

  • Lauren Betts, Sienna Betts, Kiki Rice (UCLA)

  • Madison Booker (Texas)

  • Audi Crooks (Iowa State)

  • Ta’Niya Latson (South Carolina)

  • Olivia Miles (TCU)

  • Syla Swords (Michigan)

With athletes from perennial powerhouse programs, the Unrivaled League is betting big on the future of women’s basketball.

 

What Makes These NIL Deals Different?

 

Holistic Athlete Development:
More than just endorsements, Unrivaled’s NIL packages are built to help athletes grow as brands, equip them with leadership and media skills, and elevate their presence in the burgeoning women’s basketball ecosystem.


The Future Is Unrivaled Summit:
All 14 athletes are invited to Miami for a multi-day “Future Is Unrivaled” summit at league headquarters. There, they’ll receive elite-level training in media skills, brand building, and the business of basketball.

 

Path to Professional Ownership:
Some past Unrivaled NIL signees, including stars like Paige Bueckers and Flau’jae Johnson, received equity ownership in the league, setting a new benchmark for athlete empowerment in women’s sports.

 

A Quick History: Unrivaled League’s Rise


Founded in 2023 by WNBA MVPs Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, the Unrivaled League set out to rethink American women’s professional basketball. The league sports a fast-paced 3-on-3 format and a condensed season, attracting top WNBA talent and a growing fanbase.

Year-One Highlights:

  • Over $27 million in revenue generated—a significant feat for a women’s league in its debut season.

  • Average annual salaries topping $220,000, surpassing even the highest WNBA base salaries.

  • Over 11.9 million broadcast viewers and a staggering 589 million social media impressions.

  • Major partners include Samsung, Under Armour, and State Farm.

 

Unrivaled has quickly established itself as a premium platform where women’s basketball talent can thrive year-round—and earn accordingly.

 

Why This Matters for Women’s College Basketball

 

Unrivaled’s latest NIL initiative is more than just a headline-grabber; it’s an investment in an ecosystem. These deals provide young stars not just with financial incentives, but with career development opportunities and early professional networking in a league that’s changing the game for women athletes.

Unlike typical NIL agreements, Unrivaled’s deals immerse these student-athletes in content creation, business education, and personal brand management—all crucial to succeeding in today’s sports landscape.

 

The Bottom Line: Unrivaled Is Charting a New Course

Said Flau’jae Johnson, LSU guard and Unrivaled NIL partner:

“Unrivaled is doing something incredible for women's sports… They’re making significant strides in the W and truly providing us with opportunities in college to excel.”

With its bold NIL initiative, Unrivaled League continues to create new opportunities, drive visibility, and inspire the next generation of women in basketball. For fans, athletes, and the entire sports world, one thing is clear: the future of women’s basketball is truly unrivaled.

 

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