UConn head coach Geno Auriemma outlined his hefty expectations for Unrivaled, insisting the 3×3 league will be a “home run”.

Unrivaled is the new 3×3 league set to be staged in Miami that was co-founded by WNBA All-Stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart. The league will tip off for its inaugural campaign later this month, with a number of the best players in the game set to take part.

Unrivaled players are also expected to earn a guaranteed average salary of approximately $250,000, along with equity stakes as part-owners in the league which makes it a compelling venture both financially and professionally. Back in May, Auriemma was one of the “all-star groups” that chose to invest, highlighting the potential of the league.

Auriemma, who has coached UConn to 11 NCAA titles, clearly believes the project is set to be a success. The 70-year-old put his money where his mouth is months ago.

“I think it’s a great concept,” Auriemma said when asked what he believes Unrivaled can do for women’s basketball as a whole. “Obviously, I was thrilled to be asked to participate in it. The level of play that these players bring, the level of competition that is going to be evident when they play, the fact that a lot of people tuning in know something of these players that maybe haven’t seen enough of them. That will certainly help grow their individual brand, who they are, but also the WNBA.

“So I think the popularity of who these women is going to carry over into next summer because they certainly have the biggest names in the league playing. It’s another push towards getting the best players to stay here, and not have to travel overseas to supplement their incomes.

“And you can’t discount, too, the competitive level is going to help them improve. And I think, going into next summer is a huge moment for the league. And the people that had the idea about this league, [Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier], and their respective groups, brilliant.”

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Sabrina Ionescu announced she will take part in Unrivaled after overcoming a thumb injury

Sabrina Ionescu announced she will take part in Unrivaled after overcoming a thumb injury ( 

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AP)

Auriemma concluded: “I think it’s a brilliant idea, and I’m excited to support it, and I just think it’s going to be a home run for everybody involved.”

Unrivaled’s highly-anticipated inaugural season is set to run from January to March, clashing with the NBA season and the WNBA offseason. TNT Sports will air games three nights a week across its platforms, with Mondays and Fridays on TNT and Saturdays on truTV.

Meanwhile, all games will be streamed on Max – including more than 45 prime-time games. While Caitlin Clark will not suit up, Unrivaled boasts a star-studded pool of players in an intriguing style of competition.

Unrivaled tips off on Jan. 17, 2025, when Stewart’s Mist take on Collier’s Lunar Owls.