For years, the offseason rhythm for WNBA players was almost automatic − pack up and head to Europe, Russia, or wherever the paycheck made sense. That pattern is breaking down, and Unrivaled’s latest signing is another data point in why.

New York Liberty guard Marine Johannes has signed a multi-year deal to join Unrivaled starting with the league’s third season. This is a notable win for Unrivaled, given that Johannes had reportedly been in the mix for its rival, Project B. She made her excitement clear once the deal was announced.

“I’m incredibly excited to join Unrivaled next season,” Johannes said in a press release, as per Unrivaled. “It’s a unique opportunity to compete alongside some of the best players in the world and continue growing my game.”

“I’ve heard so many great things about the league, and I can’t wait to be part of it, meet my new teammates, and experience everything Unrivaled has to offer. Looking forward to getting started.”

The signing carries weight beyond the deal itself because of who Johannes is. She helped lead France to the final against the USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics, taking silver, and won bronze with France at the 2020 Tokyo Games. She has also been recognized as a WNBA Commissioner’s Cup champion, EuroCup champion, and EuroCup Finals MVP.

She joins Unrivaled for their third season along with a host of other stars from the league, including WNBA All-Star Gabby Williams. The list also includes potential Rookie of the Year contenders Olivia Miles and Flau’jae Johnson. Bridget Carleton will also feature from next season. However, Johannes’ specific club assignment will be announced at a later stage.

The depth of talent reflects what Johannes is already doing at the WNBA level. She is averaging 9.7 points per game for the Liberty this season, shooting an efficient 57.0% on field goal percentage and 58.6% true shooting, while covering 39% from the deep. Numbers like that explain why a 3-0n-3 league built around spacing and shot-making wanted her specifically.

That same momentum is showing up in how quickly Unrivaled is filling its roster. The league has already locked in close to 90% of its 48 available spots gfor an upcoming season, with six additional players held in a developmental pool to cover injuries.

None of that roster momentum happens without the business behind it holding up. And that’s where Unrivaled’s numbers since launch start to explain why a player of Johannes’s caliber would choose this path over Europe.

Unrivaled Has Already Achieved Significant Commercial Milestones

Co-founded by Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, Unrivaled was built around a simple premise: give players are reason to stay back in the U.S. during the WNBA off-season instead of going overseas. Unrivaled offers equity and wages built into the model from day one. It’s inaugural season generated roughly $30 million in revenue and paid players an average salary of $220,000, a number that already outpaced most offseason alternatives. The league’s growth since then has only accelerated.

A Series B funding round pushed Unrivaled’s valuation at $340 million, with an investor list that includes Stephen Curry, Dawn Staley, and Coco Gauff. The league guarantees no player on its roster earns less than six figures, a notable commitment for a league still in its early seasons. Its 1-on-1 Tournament reportedly carried a $300,000 prize pool, with $200,000 going to the champion.

Taken together, the financial trajectory and the talent now signing on suggested Unrivaled is closing in on the goal it set out with − giving players a real reason to stay home.