WBD and Alex Morgan’s Trybe Ventures also double down on investments in three-on-three women’s basketball league.
Three-on-three women’s basketball league Unrivaled is now valued at US$340 million after closing an oversubscribed Series B investment round led by private equity firm Bessemer Venture Partners.
Other notable investors in the round included tennis legend Serena Williams through her Serena Ventures venture capital firm, while previous investors Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) and Trybe Ventures, the investment vehicle of US soccer great Alex Morgan, returned.
Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young, Orlando Magic brothers Frank and Moe Wagner, University of Maryland president Darryll Pines and his wife Sylvia, and sports executive Sam Rapoport also contributed to the latest funding round alongside venture capital firm Next Legacy Partners.
Unrivaled did not disclose the size of the individual contributions. Bessemer’s global portfolio has included Pinterest, Shopify and LinkedIn, and the firm currently has US$19 billion of assets under management.
The league’s latest valuation is a dramatic rise from just one year ago when it was valued at US$95 million, according to CNBC. The new funding will be used to add more resources to Unrivaled’s facilities, for developmental efforts and to create extra awareness of the league as it heads into its second season.
Unrivaled brought in US$28 million via a Series A investment round last year led by Don Berman, the founder of consumer finance services provider CardWork, and his family. Other high-profile investors in Unrivaled include tennis icon Billie Jean King, National Basketball Association (NBA) stars Steph Curry and Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps.
“We’re continuing to align with partners who elevate our league and accelerate our strategic growth,” said Unrivaled president Alex Bazzell. “With Bessemer Venture Partners leading this round, Unrivaled is in an unprecedented position for a new sports league.
“Bessemer’s world-class leadership, combined with the collective influence of our entire investor group, amplifies our mission and pushes the industry forward. This rise in Unrivaled’s valuation reflects investor confidence and proves that athlete-driven models can thrive at the highest levels of business.”
Caty Rea, vice president at Bessemer Venture Partners, added: “At Bessemer, we’ve had the privilege of backing many category-defining companies, and we believe Unrivaled is building the next great sports league.
“What impressed us most is the league’s outstanding business performance – achieving both rapid growth and impressive unit economics in its first year of operations –alongside its focus on both athlete advocacy and extraordinary fan engagement. We’re thrilled to partner with Unrivaled to take the league to the next level.”
The league was co-founded in 2023 by Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) players Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier. It claims to be offering the highest average salary in women’s team sports history, with reports suggesting each player earned at least US$222,000 this season.
The six-team Unrivaled reportedly made more than US$27 million in revenue in its first year. The league is confident of achieving profitability as soon as 2026, has doubled revenue projections from season one and plans to increase salaries.
Unrivaled’s second season will tip off in January 2026. The competition is also reportedly considering adding two more teams to next year’s campaign, as well as potentially taking games on the road, having played its entire 2025 campaign in Miami.
News
Super Sexy Serena Williams Turns Heads in Bold Florida Bikini Look! Serena Williams was spotted soaking up the Florida sun — and fans can’t stop talking about her stunning bikini moment. The tennis legend flaunted her curves with confidence, radiating pure joy and effortless glamour as she enjoyed a beachside escape. Social media exploded with praise, with many calling Serena the definition of strength and beauty. Whether on the court or in the sun, she proves she’s still the ultimate icon. Serena isn’t just enjoying the sun — she’s stealing it. Full story in comments
Super Sexy Serena Williams in Bikini enjoys the sun in Florida! ☀️🔥 Super Sexy Serena Williams Turns Heads in Bold…
Serena Williams Adds Broadway Producer to Her Expanding Empire
When you think of Serena Williams, what comes to mind? For most people, it’s tennis and rightfully so. She’s one…
Gauff Reveals the Pressure of Serena Comparisons After Winning Her First Major
Coco Gauff is one of the poster girls for American tennis, and when bursting onto the scene, she drew comparisons…
🚨 Cardi B DESTROYS Karoline Leavitt on Live TV With 10 Savage Words — Audience Stunned Into Silence Before Exploding in Applause! 🚨
“Sit down, Barbie.” 🔴 Cardi B suddenly called Karoline Leavitt a “puppet of Trump” live on television after Leavitt criticized the…
Jay Z compares Beyonce to Michael Jackson
Jay Z compares Beyonce to Michael Jackson credit:Bang Showbiz Jay Z says Beyonce is “an evolution” of Michael Jackson. The…
🌍💥 SHOCKING: Rihanna Spends $5 Million to Build “Dogtopia” — a 15-Acre Paradise for Abused and Abandoned Dogs! Complete with a water park, training camps, and 24/7 veterinary care, the superstar’s secret project leaves fans stunned. But it was her powerful hidden message about love and healing that turned the world’s attention upsid
Barbados — Known for her powerhouse voice, groundbreaking fashion line, and philanthropic work, Rihanna is now adding “animal welfare advocate” to her…
End of content
No more pages to load