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It’s been a year since the WNBPA pulled out of the current CBA. Since then, the league has been negotiating with the players, but no deal has been reached yet. However, there’s finally a small update as the two sides have agreed to a 30-day extension. And while the league stands on the edge of major change, a competitor is quietly preparing for a big move of its own. Yes, we’re talking about Unrivaled. After having turned heads in its debut season last January, the 3 by 3 league co-founded by WNBA players is now gearing up for a major internal draft. It all comes up as the league unfolds its second season with two new expansion teams – Breeze BC and Hive BC – bringing the total number of clubs to eight. These clubs will feature a roster of six players selected from six balanced positional “pods” to ensure competitive equity. But that’s not all. The teams holding a year of experience will get a bit of an advantage as they’re allowed to protect two returning players. This simply means, Lunar Owls, Rose, Laces, and Vinyl will protect their two returning players, meanwhile, the non-playoff teams, Mist and Phantom can keep one. ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad This means the new franchises will be starting fresh. Though Breeze BC has already laid its foundation by winning the coin toss and securing the first overall pick in the draft. So, yes, this is how the draft process will go in December. But it ain’t just the roster getting a shakeup, the new season will witness some fresh energy on the sidelines too. ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad For the upcoming season, Unrivaled will be “looking forward” with the arrival of four new head coaches. To start with, Liberty assistant coach Zach O’Brien will take over Mist BC, whereas Connecticut Sun assistant Rooneka Hodges will lead Phantom BC. Then there’s former Seattle Storm HC Noelle Quinn, who wrapped up a five-year run in Seattle and will now head Breeze BC. And, Chicago Sky assistant coach Rena Wakama, who’ll be guiding Hive BC. But, that’s not it as some fan favorites will be coming back too, including Teresa Weatherspoon, Nola Henry, Andrew Wade, and DJ Sackmann. So yeah, that’s how Unrivaled’s 2026 season is shaping up, and is quietly becoming a real threat to the WNBA. GM Clare Duwelius is beyond excited about the new additions to his squad. “We’re thrilled to add such exceptional talent to our head coaching roster in our second season, elevating the strong foundation established by our inaugural coaching staffs across Unrivaled,” he said. Read Top Stories First From EssentiallySports Click here and check box next to EssentiallySports ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad The Unrivaled is shaking up CBA negotiations. Yes or no? It has been one year since Unrivaled came into existence, and it’s already valued at $340 million. With its increasing popularity, the league’s used better revenue sharing and increased salaries as a strategy to attract players. And, that’s exactly what WNBPA is fighting for in the latest CBA negotiations. So, while the league co-founded by Stewie and Phee runs through the offseason, it’s already a rival for the W. As ESPN’s Brian Windhorst puts it better during the 25th October interview with Front Office Sports, “You have Unrivaled, which is already operational… Four generations of WNBA players have been allowed to play in those leagues.” He added, “And the fact that their contracts allow them to play in those leagues is…admission that they’re not paying the players enough.” He is convinced that if the women continue to play only in one league, then their WNBA dreams could be shattered. Playing in Unrivaled gives players more leverage amid ongoing CBA talks.
