Unrivaled’s Debut Shatters Records 📺

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What To Know About Women’s Basketball Today

1. Unrivaled’s Strong Viewership Debut 📺

The new Unrivaled 3-on-3 women’s basketball league made an impressive debut on TNT Sports Friday night. The opening night doubleheader peaked at 364,000 viewers, setting a record as the most-watched women’s basketball game ever on TNT platforms. (Front Office Sports)

WHY IT MATTERS: While these numbers don’t yet rival the WNBA’s viewership, they exceeded expectations for a brand-new league and underscore the growing appetite for women’s basketball content. Strong ratings like these can attract sponsors, fans, and future talent, positioning Unrivaled as a meaningful and exciting addition to the women’s basketball landscape.

2. WNBA Free Agency Frenzy Begins 📝

The WNBA free agency negotiation window opened on Tuesday, marking the start of an offseason packed with excitement and speculation. Players can officially sign contracts starting February 1.

The Golden State Valkyries and Connecticut Sun lead the pack with over $1 million in cap space, followed by the Chicago Sky, Phoenix Mercury, and Seattle Storm. Top free agents like Breanna Stewart, Kelsey Plum, and Alyssa Thomas could make major moves. (Yahoo Sports)

WHY IT MATTERS: This offseason features a stacked list of free agents, including star players and former MVPs. Their decisions could create seismic shifts in team dynamics, shaping next season’s championship race.

3. Girls’ High School Hoops Decline 📉

High school girls’ basketball participation in the U.S. has dropped, according to the Sports Roster Data Project at the University of Maryland. Approximately 6,000 fewer girls played basketball in the 2023-24 season compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, other sports like volleyball and flag football have seen significant increases in participation. (Her Hoops Stats)

WHY IT MATTERS: A decline in high school participation could impact the sport’s talent pipeline, potentially pushing college programs to recruit more international players. However, the WNBA’s growing popularity offers hope for a rebound. With increased visibility and more opportunities in women’s basketball than ever before, this trend could still be reversed.