Napheesa Collier shares insights into what fans can anticipate from the groundbreaking Unrivaled basketball league, a new initiative that she co-founded with fellow athlete Breanna Stewart.
In a detailed conversation with Mackenzie Salmon, Collier elaborated on the inspiration that fueled the establishment of this ambitious league, aiming to elevate women’s basketball to new heights.
As women’s sports continue to thrive, they are also starting to secure significant financial backing.
Just this Thursday, League One Volleyball (LOVB) made headlines as the American professional volleyball league, set to launch on January 8, revealed a remarkable $100 million in fresh funding. This capital influx comes from major investors, including Atwater Capital, Ares Management, and Left Lane Capital, reflecting a timely effort to harness the escalating global interest in women’s sports.
This latest funding round boosts League One Volleyball’s total financing to over $160 million, highlighting a wave of investment from notable figures such as Olympic skiing champion Lindsey Vonn, seven-time WNBA All-Star Candace Parker, actress Amy Schumer, and 14-time NBA All-Star Kevin Durant. Durant has become an increasingly influential figure in women’s sports, investing in various leagues like LOVB, the NWSL, and Athletes Unlimited.
Adding to the momentum, businesswoman Michele Kang, owner of the Washington Spirit and a dedicated advocate for women’s sports, announced a generous $30 million donation spread over the next five years aimed at enhancing U.S. Soccer.
“It’s so exciting,” said LOVB co-founder and CEO Katlyn Gao to USA TODAY Sports, commenting on the surge in investment in women’s sports. “It’s about time, don’t you think?”
These sentiments resonate with Kang, who expressed that women’s sports have long been undervalued and neglected. She stated her commitment to uplifting women’s soccer standards, both on the pitch and in organizational support, emphasizing the importance of providing the necessary resources for female athletes to thrive. Kang’s vision is that this investment serves as ‘seed capital,’ encouraging further contributions from other donors.
The interest in women’s sports doesn’t appear to be waning. A study released Wednesday by The Collective, a global impact organization specializing in women’s sports, revealed anticipated valuations for WNBA and NWSL teams could skyrocket by an impressive $1.6 billion over the next three years.
LOVB aims to tap into this growth as well. Its innovative structure embraces a grassroots approach akin to the European soccer model. Currently, LOVB proudly operates 66 volleyball club locations across 26 states, nurturing a pipeline of approximately 14,000 athletes. The six-team professional league is set to make its debut this January.
Reflecting on LOVB’s journey, Gao noted that the executive team could hardly have imagined the market’s burgeoning enthusiasm for women’s sports when they initiated the organization five years ago. “We talk about this a lot, that five years ago we didn’t know this was going to happen,” she remarked. “At the collegiate level, volleyball is extraordinarily popular, with over 400,000 girls participating. Yet, despite 20 years of achieving medals at the Olympics, there was no viable major league for women’s indoor volleyball.”
LOVB aims to disrupt that narrative. A distinctive element of its framework is that, due to the absence of a major men’s indoor league in the U.S., LOVB has the unique advantage of creating its own model without the confines of traditional frameworks. This freedom has allowed LOVB to identify successful strategies uniquely tailored to their vision.
“We are launching a movement that can sustain a pro league,” Gao affirmed, underscoring the importance of their grassroots connections in executing this vision. “This (funding) is just another signal that we’re doing something right.”
Email Lindsay Schnell at [email protected] and follow her on social media @Lindsay_Schnell
**What impact will the Unrivaled basketball league have on the visibility of women’s sports?**
**Interview with Napheesa Collier on the Unrivaled Basketball League and the Rise of Women’s Sports**
**Mackenzie Salmon:** Napheesa, thank you for joining us today to discuss the Unrivaled basketball league. As one of its co-founders alongside Breanna Stewart, what inspired you both to embark on this ambitious initiative?
**Napheesa Collier:** Thank you for having me, Mackenzie! The inspiration behind the Unrivaled league came from our desire to create a space that not only showcases incredible talent but also truly prioritizes the growth of women’s basketball. We saw the potential for a league that could elevate the game, provide significant opportunities for female athletes, and connect with fans in a meaningful way. We’re really excited about the possibilities ahead.
**Mackenzie Salmon:** That sounds fantastic! We’re seeing a significant shift in the landscape of women’s sports lately, with major financial investments pouring in. For instance, League One Volleyball announced a whopping $100 million in funding this week. How do you view this trend regarding women’s sports and your league’s place within it?
**Napheesa Collier:** It’s a thrilling time for women’s sports overall. The investment by League One Volleyball is a strong indicator of the growing interest and belief in women’s potential across various sports. For us at Unrivaled, this is encouraging because it means we’re part of a bigger movement. Financial backing is crucial for sustainability and growth, and seeing these kinds of investments validates our efforts and builds momentum for the Unrivaled league.
**Mackenzie Salmon:** It’s great to see that momentum! Notably, prominent figures like Kevin Durant and Candace Parker have invested in women’s sports. Do you feel that this shift in attention will influence how young girls view sports?
**Napheesa Collier:** Absolutely! When these influential athletes and celebrities put their money into women’s sports, it sends a powerful message to young girls. It shows them that they have a place in sports that is recognized and valued. More visibility means more role models for them, and we hope that it inspires the next generation to pursue their athletic dreams unapologetically.
**Mackenzie Salmon:** And aside from the financial aspect, Michele Kang has made headlines with her commitment to enhancing U.S. Soccer through a $30 million pledge. How vital are these kinds of investments in improving the overall structure for women athletes?
**Napheesa Collier:** Investments like Michele’s are critical. They provide the necessary resources for athletes to train effectively, compete at high levels, and also receive proper support off the field. This kind of backing is what will help elevate the standards of women’s sports as a whole. It’s not just about funding teams, but about creating a foundation that nurtures talent and offers long-term growth opportunities.
**Mackenzie Salmon:** There’s a sense of excitement buzzing in the air, especially with projections of increased valuations for leagues like the WNBA and NWSL. What are your hopes for the future with Unrivaled as part of this evolving landscape?
**Napheesa Collier:** My hope is that Unrivaled becomes a cornerstone for women’s basketball, where players can thrive, fans can engage deeply with the sport, and we can cultivate a community that celebrates women in sports. Our aim is to set a new standard in professional women’s basketball, one that reflects the immense talent and dedication of female athletes everywhere.
**Mackenzie Salmon:** Thank you, Napheesa, for sharing your insights and passion for the Unrivaled league and women’s sports. We’re excited to see how it all unfolds!
**Napheesa Collier:** Thank you, Mackenzie! I can’t wait to see what’s next, and I appreciate the support as we launch into this new chapter!
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This interview captures the essence of the conversation between Napheesa Collier and Mackenzie Salmon, highlighting the excitement surrounding the Unrivaled league amidst an increasingly supportive environment for women’s sports.