Unrivaled signs 14 star women's basketball players to NIL deals

During WNBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis, Unrivaled – the 3v3 women’s basketball league – announced a major NIL activation. The up-and-coming league signed 14 star college athletes to NIL deals.

UConn star Azzi Fudd headlines the group, which also includes LSU’s Flau’jae Johnson and USC’s JuJu Watkins – both of whom previously signed NIL deals with Unrivaled, along with former UConn sensation Paige Bueckers. Bueckers and Johnson secured equity stakes in the league as part of their deals while Watkins was part of the $28 million investment round.

Notre Dame guard Hannah Hidalgo, UCLA forward Lauren Betts, TCU guard Olivia Miles and LSU guard MiLaysia Fulwiley are also on some of the standout names on board. Betts’ sister Sienna, Texas forward Madison Booker, Iowa State center Audi Crooks, South Carolina guard Ta’Niya Latson, UCLA guard Kiki Rice, UConn forward Sarah Strong and Michigan guard Syla Swords round out the group.

Unrivaled presented by Samsung Galaxy just signed 14 of the top women’s college hoopers to game-changing NIL deals.

We’re kicking it off with The Future is Unrivaled Summit Presented by Samsung Galaxy in Miami at the end of July 🤩 Stay tuned for more 👀 pic.twitter.com/xhuCOewiWj

— Unrivaled Basketball (@Unrivaledwbb) July 19, 2025

“Investing in elite women’s basketball talent is central to Unrivaled’s mission,” said Unrivaled President of Basketball Operations Luke Cooper in a statement. “This transformational, first-of-its-kind initiative brings together the best of the best and reflects our deep commitment to elevating the women’s game and holistically supporting athletes.”

Unrivaled had its debut season last year after WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier co-founded the league. It includes six teams that compete in a 3-on-3 format, and the league is planning to add two expansion teams in 2027, as well.

Unrivaled continues star-studded NIL initiatives

Through its latest NIL activation, Unrivaled continues to invest in the rising stars in women’s basketball. Flau’jae Johnson and JuJu Watkins are widely considered two of the top names in college women’s hoops, and Azzi Fudd is a rising star after playing a crucial role in UConn’s national championship this past season.

Johnson boasts the highest On3 NIL Valuation in college women’s basketball at $1.5 million, which puts her atop the women’s college basketball NIL rankings. Watkins sits right behind her at No. 2 with a $739,000 On3 NIL Valuation and Fudd ranks No. 6 at $218,000.

Unrivaled also forged a partnership with Paige Bueckers last year before the Dallas Wings selected her No. 1 overall in the WNBA Draft. She’s preparing for her first All-Star Game amid an impressive rookie season and signed a three-year deal with Unrivaled in April.

All 14 players who signed NIL deals with Unrivaled will participate in a summit July 31-Aug. 2. Called The Future is Unrivaled, it will include basketball development sessions and the players will also participate in content for the league.