Well, if Alex Bazzell, the President of Unrivaled, says the “product works” after its debut season, I’d be inclined to agree—and not just because disagreeing with a basketball coach sounds like a fast break to nowhere.

Unrivaled’s inaugural season has been nothing short of impressive. The league’s opening night became the most-watched women’s basketball games on TNT Sports platforms, peaking at 364,000 viewers. This level of viewership suggests that fans are eager for more of this fast-paced, 3-on-3 action.​ESPN.comThe Chimes+11Silver Screen and Roll+11Front Office Sports+11

Financially, Unrivaled has set a new standard in women’s professional sports. Players are offered six-figure salaries, with the league’s total salary pool for the 2025 season at $8 million, making the average salary per player around $222,222. This is significantly higher than the WNBA’s average of about $119,500. Such competitive compensation has attracted top talent, including WNBA stars like Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, who co-founded the league.​Wikipedia+3New York Post+3Wikipédia, l’encyclopédie libre+3Wikipédia, l’encyclopédie libre+3Wikipedia+3New York Post+3Wikipedia+14SELF+14YouTube+14

The league’s format has also been a hit. The 3-on-3 games are structured similarly to pick-up games at local parks and gym courts, offering a fresh and exciting experience for both players and fans. Additionally, the 1-on-1 tournament introduced by Unrivaled has been praised for its competitiveness, providing a level of excitement that some feel is missing from traditional formats. ​Silver Screen and Roll+3SBNation.com+3SI+3The ChimesThe Guardian

Moreover, the league’s commitment to player welfare is commendable. Unrivaled offers luxurious facilities and amenities, including saunas, massage therapists, and chefs, aiming to support players in becoming the best versions of themselves. This athlete-centric approach not only enhances performance but also sets a new benchmark for how professional sports leagues should treat their players.​New York Post

In summary, the impressive viewership numbers, competitive salaries, innovative game formats, and commitment to player welfare all point to the fact that, yes, the “product works.” Unrivaled has not only met but exceeded expectations in its debut season, setting a high bar for the future of women’s professional basketball.​Wikipedia+2New York Post+2talkSPORT+2

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