Tennis sensation Coco Gauff has officially joined Unrivaled, the groundbreaking women’s 3×3 basketball league, as its newest investor. The U.S. Open champion’s investment announcement came on January 6, just days before the league’s anticipated launch.
Tennis Star Meets Basketball: Gauff’s Vision for Women’s Sports
“I’m thrilled to be joining Unrivaled as an investor,” stated Gauff, who recently turned 20. The tennis champion expressed her passion for basketball. Furthermore, she emphasized her commitment to elevating women’s sports to unprecedented heights.
The league warmly welcomed Gauff through social media, celebrating her as “a champion on the court, a visionary off it.” Her investment demonstrates growing cross-sport support for women’s professional athletics.
WNBA Stars Lead Revolutionary Basketball Format
WNBA standouts Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart founded Unrivaled with a clear mission. They aim to provide female basketball players with meaningful off-season income opportunities.
“The principle of our league is that it’s the top talent,” Collier explained to Yahoo Sports. She stressed the importance of fair compensation. Additionally, she highlighted their commitment to treating players as true professionals.
The league features six teams with five players each, based in Miami. Notable players like Angel Reese and Arike Ogunbowale have signed on.
Star-Studded Investment Roster Drives League’s Growth
Unrivaled has attracted impressive financial backing from across the sports and entertainment worlds. The league secured $28 million in Series A funding last December. Olympic legend Michael Phelps and NBA champion Giannis Antetokounmpo joined as investors.
Celebrity support continues to pour in, with an additional $7 million from various sources. Hollywood power couple Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis have invested. Moreover, NBA veteran Carmelo Anthony has shown his support.
The inaugural season kicks off January 17, featuring innovative competition formats. Plans include a mid-season one-on-one tournament to showcase player talents.
A champion on the court, a visionary off it. Welcome @CocoGauff to the @Unrivaledwbb family as an investor—together, we’re taking basketball to the next level!
— Unrivaled Basketball (@Unrivaledwbb) January 6, 2025pic.twitter.com/aROAe6oDJk
