Moving from college to the WNBA can be a shock for some players.
Schools like LSU provide state-of-the-art facilities and charter jets for their stars.
But professional teams do not have the same level of support despite the rise in popularity of the women’s game, which is enjoying a ratings surge.
Salaries are another hot topic with No. 1 pick Caitlin Clark earning just over $76,000 for her Rookie of the Year campaign.
Many players opt to play abroad in the offseason but the three-on-three Unrivaled league has stepped up to offer an alternative.
Players are handsomely rewarded financially and the tournament, which tips off on Friday, is based solely in Miami with world-class facilities on offer.
After raising $35million in funding, bosses spared no expense in creating a stunning venue where all 850 fans will be sitting courtside.
Angel Reese, who joined the Chicago Sky in 2024 after becoming a social media sensation during her time at LSU, spoke out about the gap in facilities between the WNBA and Unrivaled.
“I would stay here forever,” she said in her first Unrivaled media availability. “Everything I need is here — from massages to cold tubs, to being able to have resources, to workouts and everything.”
The nine-week league -founded by Olympians Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier – features six teams of six players with four advancing to the playoffs.
While they are in Florida, players will have access to a hair and makeup room, childcare center, and aestheticians, as well as the more typical facilities.
“We’re going to provide daycare servicing for the mothers on arrival,” league president Alex Bazzell told SB Nation. “It’s everything that the athletes need under one roof when it comes to anything and everything — on-court or off-court for them.”
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WNBA stars voiced concerns over safety after players were harassed while travelling commercial.
The league is listening, with a charter flight program announced ahead of the 2024 season.
“I am thrilled to see a significant change in policy that will permit and provide charter travel across all teams throughout the 2024 season and going forward,” said Seattle Storm forward and WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike.
“On behalf of the players, I express my appreciation and support for a bold move by the Commissioner and team governors that in turn shows that they understand and value the health and safety of the players. It is time to be transformational. It’s time to bet on women.”
If Unrivaled takes off – and there is no indication that the TNT Sports-backed product is going anywhere after its debut – more pressure will be put on WNBA execs to make the most of their talent.
Reese’s Rose Basketball team is one of four involved on opening night as they take on Vinyl BC.
“This is the exposure we deserve – being on TNT every night, being able to have access to watch our games, this is something that we deserve for a long time,” she added.
The inaugural players have all received equity, giving them an incentive to give the new format their all.
“Five years from now, this thing is going to be bigger than ever,” Reese declared.
Perhaps the only stumbling block for Unrivaled so far was failing to tempt Clark with a six-figure offer.
How much her absence hits viewership remains to be seen but there is plenty of excitement building ahead of Friday’s double-header with the Mist and Lunar Owls also in action.
