Unrivaled is moving quicker than expected in its growth plans. On Wednesday, the women’s basketball league announced it will add two new clubs — Breeze Basketball Club and Hive Basketball Club — when its second season tips off in January.
The additions will bring 12 new players to team rosters along with six athletes in a development pool, increasing the league’s total to 54 players. A fourth night of games will be added to the schedule, ensuring every club plays twice per week while eliminating back-to-backs.
League officials said the change will balance recovery, maintain quality of play, and give fans more consistent viewing opportunities.
“Expanding a year earlier than planned is a testament to the strong business model we’ve built and the potential Unrivaled has for long-term success,” said Luke Cooper, Unrivaled’s president of basketball. “We outperformed every goal we set for the league in year one, and with the incredible talent we have returning paired with the influx of new stars, it was a no brainer to add two more clubs this season.”
Development Pool Adds Depth
The new development pool is designed to enhance roster flexibility and accelerate player growth within Unrivaled’s fast-paced 3-on-3 format. It consists of six young athletes who will train daily with the league’s performance staff while gaining access to the same facilities, coaching, and resources as rostered players.
League officials view the pool as both a buffer and a bridge. If an injury occurs, teams can temporarily call up a pool member rather than sign a permanent replacement. After filling that role, the athlete returns to the pool, remaining eligible for another call-up later in the season.
Unrivaled Basketball League has announced two new clubs ahead of their 2026 season!!! Breeze BC & Hive BC🔥
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) September 10, 2025
They also announced adding a player development pool which brings their total number of players to 54!
Photo: Jineen Williams / Ballislife pic.twitter.com/BqCXbf4ccd
Beyond filling gaps, the system provides a professional training ground for emerging players. Pool members benefit from structured regimens, daily practices and mentorship, preparing them for future roster opportunities while keeping them engaged all season long.
The league believes the model will sustain competition levels, improve player readiness and ensure stability as participation grows.
Investment Round Backs Growth
Unrivaled also finalized an oversubscribed Series B funding round led by Bessemer Venture Partners, raising its valuation to $340 million. Returning investors included Serena Ventures, Warner Bros. Discovery and Alex Morgan’s Trybe Ventures.
“We’re continuing to align with partners who elevate our league and accelerate our strategic growth,” said Unrivaled president Alex Bazzell. “Bessemer’s world-class leadership, combined with the collective influence of our entire investor group, amplifies our mission and pushes the industry forward. This rise in Unrivaled’s valuation reflects investor confidence and proves that athlete-driven models can thrive at the highest levels of business.”
The new round added NBA All-Star Trae Young, Orlando Magic teammates Franz and Moritz Wagner, University of Maryland president Darryll J. Pines and Sylvia Pines, and sports executive Sam Rapoport to the investor group.
“At Bessemer, we’ve had the privilege of backing many category-defining companies, and we believe Unrivaled is building the next great sports league,” said Caty Rea, vice president at Bessemer. “What impressed us most is the league’s outstanding business performance—achieving both rapid growth and impressive unit economics in its first year of operations—alongside its focus on both athlete advocacy and extraordinary fan engagement.”
Founded in 2023, Unrivaled entered the market with a player-first model that includes equity stakes for its athletes, giving players a direct share in the league’s growth.
Early backers included Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry, Coco Gauff, Billie Jean King, Geno Auriemma and Michael Phelps. With new teams, a structured development system and rising financial support, the league has quickly established itself as one of the most ambitious projects in professional women’s sports.
