Unrivaled 3-on-3 League Rocked by Blockbuster Trade
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The Unrivaled 3-on-3 women’s basketball league, set to tip off in Miami on January 17th, is already making waves. Just weeks before the season begins, a stunning three-team trade involving four prominent WNBA stars has reshaped the league’s landscape.
in a complex series of moves, the Laces orchestrated a deal that sent Courtney Williams to the Lunar Owls in exchange for Natasha Cloud. The Laces then traded Cloud and a wildcard roster spot to the Phantom, receiving Jackie Young and Tiffany Hayes in return.
Williams,a key player for the Minnesota Lynx during their WNBA Finals run last fall,averaged an notable 13.9 points and shot 44.4% from three-point range in the postseason. Her addition significantly bolsters the Lunar Owls’ lineup.
Cloud, a standout defensive guard for the Phoenix Mercury and known for her two-way prowess, averaged 11.5 points and 6.9 assists last season. Her move to the Phantom adds another layer of experience and skill to their roster.
The trade also involved Young, a crucial member of the gold-medal-winning U.S. Olympic team in Paris, and hayes, who recently earned WNBA Sixth Player of the Year honors. Their acquisition by the Laces promises to elevate their team’s competitiveness.
Updated rosters: A New Era for Unrivaled
The three-team trade has dramatically altered the rosters of the Laces, Lunar Owls, and Phantom, setting the stage for an exciting and unpredictable season:
- Lunar Owls: Napheesa Collier, Courtney Williams, Skylar Diggins-Smith, Allisha Gray, Shakira Austin, and Cameron brink (joining in 2026).
- Laces: Jackie Young, Tiffany Hayes, Kayla McBride, Alyssa thomas, Kate martin, and Stef Dolson.
- Phantom: Satou Sabally, Marina Mabrey, Brittney Griner, Natasha Cloud, Katie Lou Samuelson.
with such a meaningful roster shakeup, the Unrivaled 3-on-3 league is poised for a thrilling inaugural season. The impact of these trades will undoubtedly be felt on the court, adding another layer of intrigue to the already highly anticipated competition.
Unrivaled Basketball League: A New Era for women’s Hoops
The Unrivaled Basketball League (UBL) is poised to disrupt the women’s basketball landscape, promising a groundbreaking combination of lucrative salaries, player equity, and a star-studded lineup of WNBA talent. With five of six rosters finalized, anticipation is building for the league’s highly anticipated launch next month.
The league boasts an impressive roster of coaches, including established names like Teresa Weatherspoon, Phil Handy, and Nola Henry, each bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to their respective teams. The UBL’s commitment to player development is evident in its state-of-the-art facilities and a focus on empowering athletes both on and off the court.
Meet the Teams
The UBL’s unique format features six teams, each boasting a roster of WNBA all-stars. Here’s a look at the finalized rosters (as of december 21st):
- Vinyl: Arike Ogunbowale (Wings), Rhyne Howard (Dream), Aliyah Boston (Fever), Jordin canada (Dream), Rae Burrell (Sparks), and Dearica Hamby (Sparks). Coached by Teresa Weatherspoon Learn More
- Mist: Jewell Loyd (Storm),DiJonai Carrington (Sun),Breanna Stewart (Liberty),Courtney Vandersloot (Liberty),Rickea Jackson (Sparks),and Aaliyah Edwards (Mystics). Coached by Phil Handy Learn more
- Rose: Chelsea Gray (Aces),Kahleah Copper (Mercury),Angel Reese (Sky),Brittney Sykes (Mystics),Lexie Hull (Fever),and Azura Stevens (sparks). Coached by Nola Henry Learn More
- Phantom: Roster to be announced.
The Vinyl, Mist, and Rose rosters remain unchanged following a recent three-team trade. The Phantom team awaits the announcement of its final wildcard player.
Adam Harrington will coach the yet-to-be-fully-revealed phantom team. Learn More
A League Built for Players
The UBL is not just about star power; it’s about empowering its athletes.The league promises players an average salary of at least $222,222, along with revenue sharing and player equity – a truly revolutionary approach to women’s professional sports. “Unrivaled promises players an average salary of at least $222,222, in addition to revenue-sharing and player equity,” a league representative stated. Games will be broadcast on TNT and TruTV, airing Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays for nine weeks.
With its commitment to player well-being and financial security, the Unrivaled Basketball league is setting a new standard for women’s professional sports, and the upcoming season promises to be one of the moast exciting in basketball history.
Unrivaled Basketball League: Big Trade Shakes Up Inaugural Season
The Unrivaled Basketball league (UBL) is set to revolutionize women’s basketball with its focus on player empowerment and lucrative opportunities. However, a recent three-team trade has sent shockwaves through the league, dramatically reshaping rosters and setting the stage for an explosive inaugural season. We speak to Dr. Maya Jones, a sports sociologist specializing in women’s professional leagues, to unpack the implications of this blockbuster deal.
A Game-Changer for the UBL
World Today News: Dr. jones,the UBL has been generating a lot of buzz.How significant is this recent trade in the context of the league’s launch?
dr. Maya jones: This trade is a real attention-grabber for the UBL. It shows they’re not afraid to make bold moves and create excitement from the start.
Moving established WNBA stars like Courtney Williams, natasha Cloud, Jackie Young, and Tiffany Hayes demonstrates the UBL’s commitment to attracting top-tier talent. These players are proven performers who will draw fans and elevate the level of play.
World today News: Can you break down the impact this trade has on the participating teams?
Dr. Maya Jones: The Lunar Owls got a huge offensive boost with Williams, who’s coming off a strong WNBA Finals run.
The Phantom now have a formidable backcourt with Cloud joining forces with Satou Sabally and Marina Mabrey. They’re a serious contender.
The Laces, while losing Cloud, gained two experienced guards in Young and Hayes. It’s a smart move, building a more balanced roster.
The Bigger Picture: UBL’s Impact on women’s Basketball
World Today News: What does this trade say about the UBL’s potential impact on the broader landscape of women’s basketball?
Dr. Maya Jones:
This trade, and the UBL’s overall structure, challenges the status quo in women’s pro basketball. the league’s focus on athlete equity, revenue sharing, and substantial salaries is unprecedented. It sends a powerful message that women athletes deserve fair compensation and a say in their own futures.
World Today News: Could the UBL ultimately compete with the WNBA?
Dr.Maya Jones: That’s a tough question. The WNBA has a long history and a loyal fan base. However, the UBL’s innovative approach and its emphasis on player empowerment could draw significant attention. It’s going to be interesting to see how things unfold over the next few years.
