Key Takeaways:

• Unrivaled, a new 3-on-3 women’s basketball league, debuted with WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier at the helm.
• The league showcases 36 top players, emphasizing higher salaries and unique gameplay dynamics.
• Opening night featured exciting competitions and a packed venue, underscoring the growing popularity of women’s basketball.

MIAMI (AP) — The Unrivaled women's basketball league made its much-anticipated debut on Friday night, co-founded by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier. This new 3-on-3 league represents a fresh chapter in women’s professional basketball, offering players an opportunity to compete during the WNBA offseason without having to travel overseas. “We’re gonna take care of you. We’re gonna pay you. We’re gonna make sure you continue to build your brand,” Stewart said, reflecting on the league's goals in an interview with CBS News.

Featuring 36 elite players, including notable names like Brittney Griner and spectacular rookie Angel Reese, the opening night was electrifying. Stewart scored the very first basket in league history, setting the tone for an exhilarating competition. Collier's team ultimately triumphed in the inaugural matchup with an 84-80 victory over Stewart's squad, showcasing the competitiveness of these talented athletes. “I think this was a great first game just showing what we can do,” Collier stated post-game, highlighting the significance of the event.

The league utilizes an innovative format, with games conducted on a court approximately 20 feet shorter than traditional WNBA courts. Each game consists of three seven-minute quarters, followed by a final quarter played to a “winning score.” This format encourages constant action, preventing players from taking possessions off due to the limited number on the court. According to Unrivaled President Alex Bazzell, “Every game, we will have a game-winning shot.”

Moreover, the financial commitment to this league is unprecedented; players can expect salaries surpassing $100,000, with the average payment being the highest in any women’s league to date. The league is reportedly holding an additional 1-on-1 tournament in February, where the winner stands to gain a substantial $250,000, demonstrating a robust growth trajectory for women's athletics.

In a true celebration of female sports, the atmosphere on opening night was electric. Fans engaged in various activities while waiting for the games, reflecting an enthusiastic and supportive community. As fan Charlene Lewis expressed, “I feel they were making history by creating a whole new league,” illustrating the significance of this initiative for women’s basketball. Legendary analyst Lisa Leslie echoed similar sentiments, calling the league “unrivaled and unmatched” in providing women athletes a first-class experience.

Unrivaled is not just a league; it represents the future of women’s basketball and a leap forward in the sports industry as a whole. For those interested in watching the games, they can catch live broadcasts on TNT or TruTV through March 17.

For more details on the opening night and player salaries, visit the full stories on CBS News and HuffPost.