Allisha Gray is optimistic about her post on Unrivaled.
The 2024 All-Star player who made history is not taking her talents to Unrivaled, a 3-on-3 basketball league founded by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart.
Unrivaled has welcomed 36 players across six teams, including Gray (Lunar Owls BC), Aliyah Boston (Vinyl BC), Brittney Griner (Phantom BC), Angel Reese (Rose BC), and Kate Martin (Laces BC).
Its launch was supported by an oversubscribed Series A raise of $28 million in December 2024, bringing its total funding to at least $35 million. Investors in the league include Carmelo Anthony, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Alex Morgan, Dawn Staley, and, most recently, Coco Gauff.
“I’m thrilled to be joining Unrivaled as an investor,” Gauff said in a press release. “Basketball is one of my favorite sports, and the chance to support a league that’s redefining the game is exciting. I look forward to being part of this movement.”
Unrivaled’s business model is unlike any seen before in sports. As AFROTECH™ previously reported, the star-studded league is unique in offering equity to players competing in its first season. Its business model also includes a salary pool valued at more than $8 million, according to CBS Sports. This amount does not factor in equity or revenue-sharing payments. On average, players receive a salary of $222,222, which is greater than the average salary in the WNBA.
“It’s amazing being asked to come here during the off-season, being able to compete and play against the top players in the league every day. We’re definitely making each other better, and you get a nice salary for being here for 3 months,” Gray told AFROTECH™ during a virtual press conference held on Tuesday. “I mean, it’s just nice that we’re getting the treatment that we deserve and have another avenue. A lot of people don’t like going overseas, aka me. So, it’s nice to still make a a nice bag in America than having to go overseas.”
Gray is currently preparing for the league’s tip-off, which begins on Jan. 17, 2025.
