Unrivaled Team Rankings: Bold Predictions That Spark Debate
With Unrivaled’s tip-off just weeks away in Miami, the excitement is building — but here's where it gets controversial: who really stands a chance this season? The league's six teams have reshuffled rosters, and it’s anyone’s guess how the pieces will come together. And this is the part most people miss — predicting success in a brand-new 3-on-3 full-court basketball setup is far from straightforward.
Unrivaled, the innovative basketball league founded last year by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, is about to launch its second season on January 5. This league blends speed, skill, and star power, featuring a mix of 22 fresh WNBA talents alongside 26 players returning from the inaugural season. However, crowd favorites like Angel Reese, Kayla McBride, and Sabrina Ionescu won't be on the court this time, shaking things up significantly.
Last season’s championship was clinched by the Rose Club, powered by Chelsea Gray and Kahleah Copper, while the Lunar Owls, driven by Collier and Skylar Diggins, dominated the regular games. But can last year’s success carry over? It’s far too early to tell with certainty—team chemistry, form on game day, and health will all play huge roles. Still, here’s a detailed, informed prediction of how I see the eight clubs lining up.
Projected Unrivaled Team Rankings
1. Rose Club
- Chelsea Gray
- Kahleah Copper
- Azurá Stevens
- Lexie Hull
- Shakira Austin
- Sug Sutton
Chelsea Gray arrives fresh off a WNBA championship with the Las Vegas Aces, having been one of the most impactful players in Unrivaled last season. Azurá Stevens and Shakira Austin both hit career highs last year, offering powerful inside and defensive plays. Kahleah Copper’s scoring ability is elite, even though she missed most of the previous Unrivaled season. Although this isn’t the exact team from their championship run (losing Angel Reese is a notable blow), the Rose are still the favorites to reclaim the crown, combining experience with new energy.
2. Lunar Owls
- Napheesa Collier
- Skylar Diggins
- Marina Mabrey
- Aaliyah Edwards
- Rachel Banham
- Rebecca Allen
The Lunar Owls were the cream of the crop in the regular season last year, with Collier arguably the league’s most dominant player—she averaged a staggering 25.7 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. Skylar Diggins is a steady force as one of the top guards, averaging nearly 18 points and close to 5 assists. Aaliyah Edwards’ rise was a highlight, finishing second in the 1-on-1 tournament. Marina Mabrey is poised for a comeback after a calf injury limited her last season, which could tip the scales more in their favor.
3. Laces
- Jackie Young
- Brittney Sykes
- Alyssa Thomas
- Jordin Canada
- Maddy Siegrist
- Naz Hillmon
Defense is the Laces' calling card, boasting elite shut-down players like Young, Sykes, Thomas, and Canada. Naz Hillmon played key minutes as a reserve in the Rose’s championship and adds depth, while Maddy Siegrist provides vital outside shooting to stretch opponents. Young recently cemented her reputation as a top two-way player on the Aces, contributing to their third WNBA title in four years. However, shooting consistency could challenge this squad, emphasizing Siegrist’s role as a crucial marksman.
4. Phantom
- Kelsey Plum
- Satou Sabally
- Aliyah Boston
- Dana Evans
- Natasha Cloud
- Kiki Iriafen
Though Kelsey Plum didn’t participate last season, she’s known for her versatile scoring, able to shoot, drive, and post up, making her a strong fit in Unrivaled’s fast and fluid style. The team also brings a balanced lineup: Boston and Iriafen rank among the league’s top young bigs, while Cloud’s tenacity in defense and ball handling will complement Plum’s offensive firepower.
5. Breeze
- Paige Bueckers
- Rickea Jackson
- Dominique Malonga
- Aari McDonald
- Kate Martin
- Cameron Brink
The Breeze rank among the youngest teams—a setup that should benefit them in a quick-paced 3-on-3 game demanding endurance and speed. Only McDonald isn’t a recent draft pick, but several players look poised for breakout years. Dominique Malonga’s skills should adapt well to this format, and Bueckers appears tailor-made for the court spacing and quick decision-making required. Brink’s defensive prowess and prior 3-on-3 experience in half-court scenarios add valuable versatility.
6. Hive
- Kelsey Mitchell
- Sonia Citron
- Ezi Magbegor
- Natisha Hiedeman
- Saniya Rivers
- Monique Billings
Mitchell just completed her best career season and, like Plum, boasts a skill set primed for Unrivaled’s style. Paired with Citron, they form a rapid, sharpshooting backcourt duo who can pace the game and threaten consistently from distance. Though Hiedeman wasn’t officially on a club last year, her injury replacement stints demonstrated her ability to energize the offense with timely scoring bursts.
7. Mist
- Allisha Gray
- Breanna Stewart
- Alanna Smith
- Veronica Burton
- Arike Ogunbowale
- Li Yueru
Ranking Mist this low might raise eyebrows given the talent packed on this roster. Gray is fresh from a First Team All-WNBA honor, Stewart stays a dominant force, Smith earned co-Defensive Player of the Year, and Burton is blossoming into an elite point guard with Most Improved Player credentials. But spacing concerns loom large—especially if Stewart continues to struggle with her three-point shooting, which dipped to just 24.1% last year.
8. Vinyl
- Courtney Williams
- Rhyne Howard
- Dearica Hamby
- Erica Wheeler
- Rae Burrell
- Brittney Griner
It feels almost unfair to place any team last with such depth of talent. Still, I’ve chosen Vinyl because they heavily depend on a few standout players like Howard and Hamby. This concentration could limit their overall team dynamic in a league striving for balance. Could this reliance backfire? That’s the question to watch.
Why These Projections Might Surprise You
Attempting to predict the success of these freshly built teams months ahead is tricky. Injuries and player availability will further complicate outcomes—as seen last year, when several stars missed significant time. The league’s mission to build evenly matched clubs means today’s rankings could flip upside down. Ever wonder if the underdogs could shock us all? That’s the beauty and mystery of Unrivaled. Are these rankings your cup of tea, or do you see a different dark horse rising? Share your thoughts and let's get the debate started!
