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Unrivaled has pulled out all the stops to unite the women’s sports-loving community, and it’s got everyone talking. The latest big name to join the party? None other than WTA star Coco Gauff. At just 20, the tennis sensation, who’s been tearing it up on the court, is now contributing her bit to the Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart-founded basketball league.

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She’s investing in the 3*3 league, which has already raked in a whopping $28 million in funding. Gauff’s move is no surprise, given her sheer love for hoops, which she calls one of her “favorite sports.” The league’s Series A investment round is stacked with star power. 

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From NBA champ Giannis Antetokounmpo to U.S. swimming legend Michael Phelps to actors Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis—Unrivaled’s lineup of backers reads like an all-star roster. Gauff is thrilled to see Unrivaled “help elevate women’s sports” and be part of something that pushes boundaries for female athletes.

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“I’m excited to become an investor in Unrivaled. Basketball is a sport I’m passionate about, and supporting a league that’s reshaping the landscape is incredibly thrilling,” the tennis prodigy shared in a press release. “I look forward to being part of this movement and continuing to elevate women’s sports to unprecedented levels.”

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This investing move isn’t surprising when you consider Gauff’s past connection with basketball. She’s talked before about her love for both basketball and track. “I did track and basketball,” she revealed once. But tennis won her heart, and now, she’s bringing that passion into hoops in her own way. 

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And really, how could someone who truly believes in and loves women’s sports not invest in Unrivaled? It’s a brilliant concept powered by star power, making it one of the smartest and most exciting investments out there. Co-founded by WNBA icons, the idea of a domestic league keeping WNBA players active in the offseason feels revolutionary.

With an eight-week season, six teams, and three-on-three matchups, it’s entertainment-packed. What’s more, the league is bringing back some of the most iconic basketball reunions. 

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Old bonds, new battles! Unrivaled’s iconic reunions

One thing that’s already got fans hyped is the storylines surrounding team rosters. The Laces club is bringing back players from the championship-winning Las Vegas Aces squad. Jackie Young, Tiffany Hayes, and Kate Martin are joined by Kayla McBride, who spent six seasons with the Aces. 

Then there’s the Oregon Ducks dream duo, Sabrina Ionescu and Satou Sabally, reuniting after lighting up college basketball from 2017-2020. They’ll suit up together for Phantom BC, making fans relive their college days. Meanwhile, the Vinyl Club is mixing fresh faces with old connections. 

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Rhyne Howard and Jordin Canada will bring their Atlanta Dream synergy, while Dearica Hamby and Rae Burrell are rekindling their Sparks bond. Over at the Mist Club, Breanna Stewart and Jewell Loyd—two-time WNBA champs with the Seattle Storm—are reuniting. Also, they have Courtney Vandersloot, fresh off her championship run with Stewart in New York.

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The Rose Club also promises nostalgia, with Kahleah Copper and Azurá Stevens tapping into their Chicago Sky history. Not to forget, Chelsea Gray and Brittney Sykes, both tied to the Sparks legacy. And then there’s the “Lynx Club,” featuring Minnesota star Phee and Courtney Williams.

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Beyond reunions, Unrivaled has some unexpected pairings, like Lexie Hull teaming up with Angel Reese. So, with its star-studded lineup, iconic reunions, and more, Unrivaled is perfectly poised to be a slam dunk. And we’re more than ready, and so must be the investors! 

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Written by

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Apoorva Chakrayat

1,052 Articles

Apoorva Chakrayat is a WNBA and College Basketball specialist at EssentiallySports, reporting on the women’s game. A Journalism graduate, she contributes regularly to the flagship Know more

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Shivatmika Manvi

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