At Unrivaled, the dynamic 3×3 league that kicks off its second season on Jan. 5, there are several developments gaining attention. One, the league has expanded from six teams in its inaugural season to eight teams. Two, the league, which is based in Miami, will take a road trip, playing two games in Philadelphia on January 30. Third, Paige Bueckers was the number one pick, chosen by the Breeze. Fourth, there will be a developmental pool with six young players.
Fifth, which is of particular note, five of the league’s head coaches are Black women. Nola Henry and Teresa Weatherspoon return for a second season. Joining them are Rena Wakama, Roneeka Hodges, and Noelle Quinn.
“Representation matters. … I’m looking forward to being able to stand next to my sisters,” said Wakama. “What we want everyone to know is yes, we’re five Black women, but we’re five Black women who are qualified to do a job that we love,” said Weatherspoon.
“It’s not by accident,” said Quinn, who spent five seasons as head coach of the Seattle Storm. “I believe it’s intentional. Unrivaled is leading the way in showing that Black women are capable, and giving us an opportunity is important. Representation is possible when leadership chooses to make it possible. Blessed to be a part of the league standing on intentionality behind diversity and hiring women of color.”
Quinn watched games during Unrivaled’s inaugural season and has been studying film in preparation, but knows there will be a learning curve in understanding how she wants to approach teaching her young team. In addition to Bueckers, are Cameron Brink, Dominique Malonga, Kate Martin, Rickea Jackson, and Aari McDonald. “The advantage, I think, of right off the top is the pace,” said Quinn.
Weatherspoon, who will again coach Vinyl, described Unrivaled action as fun, exciting, and energetic. Rae Burrell, Dearica Hamby, and Rhyne Howard return to Vinyl, joined by Brittney Griner, Erica Wheeler, and Courtney Williams (the Stud Budz will be opponents as Natisha Hiedeman is playing for Hive).
“Last season was an incredible run,” said Weatherspoon. “We got a real good feel of what the league was like and then understood what it took for us to get into the finals, the style of play that was necessary. When you take a look at our [2026] team, I feel like we have everything we need.”