Unrivaled, the innovative 3-x-3 basketball league co-founded by UConn women's basketball stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, is set to make its return to New York. The league announced that it will host two back-to-back regular-season games at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on January 22, 2027. This announcement follows a successful debut last March, where the league's playoff semifinals were held in front of a sold-out crowd at the same venue.
To celebrate this exciting return, Unrivaled is organizing a fan activation event on September 3 at Wilka's, New York's first women's sports bar. Although the league's visit to New York will only last one day, Wilka's plans to collaborate with Unrivaled for watch parties throughout the upcoming 2027 season, fostering community engagement and support for women's sports.
The New York games will kick off Unrivaled's "Unrivaled on Tour with Ally" campaign, which aims to expand the league's presence beyond its Miami base. Last season, Unrivaled focused on establishing itself in key markets, and this year, it aims to significantly increase its outreach. Alex Bazzell, the league's president and Collier's husband, revealed that Unrivaled plans to play four times as many games outside Miami in 2027 compared to the previous season. Additional tour stops will be announced throughout the month, highlighting the league's commitment to growth.
Each tour stop will involve partnerships with local women's sports bars and community organizations, celebrating the league's initiatives and creating new season-long collaborations. This approach not only promotes the league but also strengthens ties within the community, making women's sports more accessible and visible.
Unrivaled achieved a significant milestone last season when it set a record for regular-season attendance in professional women’s basketball. On January 30, 2026, the league attracted 21,490 fans to Philadelphia's Xfinity Mobile Arena, marking the highest attendance for any event at that venue. Such achievements reflect the growing popularity and support for women's basketball.
For the 2027 season, Unrivaled has secured six former UConn players, including Stewart and Collier. Paige Bueckers will return for her second season, while Gabby Williams is set to make her debut in the league. The full schedule for the 2027 season, along with team rosters and coaching staff, will be released later this fall, further building anticipation for the upcoming season.
As Unrivaled prepares for its return to New York, the excitement surrounding the league continues to grow, promising an engaging season for fans and players alike.
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