It’s finally here! After months of planning and anticipation, Unrivaled has officially made its debut, bringing some of the biggest names in women’s basketball under one roof. The energy was electric, and the day couldn’t have started better. Shakira Austin set the tone, sinking the first shot of a halfcourt shootout and earning a cool $100 for her effort. “It’s a great start to the day,” Austin shared with a smile.

And of course, if there’s a big moment in women’s basketball, Lisa Leslie isn’t far behind. As a pioneer who was there for the WNBA’s inaugural season, Leslie made sure to show up for Unrivaled’s debut as well. But while the games were intense, it was Leslie’s on-air remarks during the live broadcast that turned heads.

The Hall of Famer casually dropped a bombshell while commentating, revealing that Jewell Loyd and Skylar Diggins-Smith are no longer Seattle Storm teammates, while also suggesting a rift. “Don’t forget, Jewel Loyd and Skylar-Diggins Smith were teammates in Seattle… there was some kind of little drama there. So this back-and-forth is very real right now,” she said.

The comment, though brief, immediately sparked confusion online, especially since Loyd is still listed on the Storm’s roster.

The highly anticipated game between Mist BC and Lunar Owls BC was a must-watch. It brought together two of the biggest names in women’s basketball, co-founders Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart. While the matchup itself had enough star power to grab attention, Lisa Leslie made sure to shine a spotlight on a spicier subplot.

This was the first time Jewell Loyd and Skylar Diggins-Smith faced each other at Unrivaled. The tension between the two was already in the air after the drama that unfolded in the Seattle Storm locker room. Fans immediately latched onto Leslie’s comments during the broadcast.

Jewell Loyd vs. Skylar Diggins: fans buzz over Unrivaled showdown drama!

Social media lit up with debates about whether Leslie had inside information or just made a casual observation. One fan wrote, “Not Lisa Leslie being messy—she just like me fr,” on X. The backstory goes back to the Seattle Storm’s rocky offseason.

Allegations of player mistreatment had emerged. Though the coaching staff was eventually cleared, allegations followed against Diggind-Smith over frequent outbursts directed at teammates. The aftermath seemed to have been felt as Jewell Loyd requested a trade from the team following several reported issues. “Leslie so messy for mentioning the Storm drama.” one user quipped.

The fact that Loyd had been with the Storm since being drafted, with one year left on her contract, made the trade request a hot topic. But there has been no development on the matter yet and the star guard could even end up staying with the franchise. The fact only added on to Leslie’s suggestion of the two no longer being teammates.

“Lisa Leslie might’ve just slipped up because Jewel asked for a trade it doesn’t have to be granted so where is Jewel going ?……” wrote a user. “Lisa Leslie is THEEEEE best” added another.

Adding even more drama, former Storm player Tina Thompson had shared a cryptic yet pointed Instagram post. It seemed to be aimed at Loyd, stating, “Using your assumed power to harm others is always an attack on yourself… Accept failure and move on.” Diggins-Smith wasted no time responding to the post, commenting, “A word,” which fueled further speculation.

This match wasn’t just about basketball. Loyd and Diggins-Smith’s on-court rivalry stole the show. Loyd dominated with 25 points after just two quarters, while Diggins-Smith was held to 11. Fans were glued to every moment, with one commenting, “LISA LESLIE CLOCKING THE DRAMA ON NATIONAL TELLIE??? Lisa Leslie is MESSY.”

All eyes are now on the Seattle Storm. Loyd remains on their roster for now, but fans are eagerly waiting for updates. What do you think will happen next?