With the new “Unrivaled” league set to begin later this month, a perennial WNBA All-Star feels it could possibly lead to a change in women’s basketball.
Brittney Griner is one of 36 WNBA players who will travel to Miami for the 3-on-3 league, giving the game a “different look,” the Phoenix Mercury star recently told ESPN.
“[Unrivaled] is bringing something new to women’s basketball,” Griner said. “They’re trying to give us a different look, a different feel. We can bring everyone together in one place. They are really contributing a lot. “Unrivaled is showing that it doesn’t take a lot of time to gather resources to launch a good product.”
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Brittney Griner of the Phoenix Mercury dribbles the ball during the game against the Las Vegas Aces on September 8, 2023 at Footprint Center in Phoenix. (Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images)
The WNBA saw a huge increase in viewership and attendance, and it’s pretty clear that Caitlin Clark is the catalyst for that. However, despite Clark’s presence, WNBA players have been slow to strive for more.
Last season was the first in which teams chartered flights, while the average salary remains just under $150,000 (Clark’s was $86,000, but he made millions from other endorsement deals).
It has been reported that Urivaled players will earn more than $220,000 for their participation and the season will only last two months.
Brittney Griner (Lance King/Getty Images)
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“Hopefully it helps [WNBA] attract more viewers, more [corporate] partners. It’s definitely going to put more pressure on the [WNBA] to do better, honestly,” Griner said.
Griner’s Mercury teammate Kahleah Cooper agreed.
“I think it definitely puts pressure. It’s been amazing,” Cooper said. “I’m grateful that they can put some pressure on the things that we deserve and are pushing for.”
Clark will not play in the league; He hasn’t had an extended break from basketball since before his senior year at Iowa, which began in late 2023.
Brittney Griner (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
This is Griner’s first time participating in an off-season show since he was released from a Russian prison in December 2022.
