Angel Reese, one of the rookie stars of the WNBA, is signing with the Unrivaled 3-on-3 basketball league, which will play in the winter.
The announcement on Reese was made on Instagram on Wednesday morning. The league, which was started by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, will provide an off-season outlet to women pro players, many of whom head to overseas teams when the WNBA is not in season.
The league boasts the “highest average salary in professional women’s sports history,” saying all players will get six-figure salaries and equity. Much has been made of the low starting salaries for WNBA players, although the amounts are subsidized by endorsements and other ancillary income.
Reese set a record for double-doubles earlier this season and is leading the WNBA in rebounding as a rookie. She’s averaging 13.5 points and 12 rebounds a game. She and Caitlin Clark are the top candidates for WNBA rookie of the year.
In addition to Reese, Stewart and Collier, the league lineup currently includes Arike Ogunbowale, Jewell Loyd, Kelsey Plum, Rhyne Howard, Kahleah Cooper and Jackie Young. Twenty more players will fill out the proposed six-team league’s inaugural season.
Among the Unrivaled investors are former soccer star Megan Rapinoe, Basketball Hall of Famer Steve Nash, golfer Michelle Wie West, Knicks great Carmelo Anthony, and UConn coach Geno Auriemma.
Ex-ESPN president John Skipper and ex-Turner president David Levy are both on board to help with landing a media rights deal.
