Unrivaled, the highly anticipated 1-on-1 women’s basketball tournament, promised a stage where the WNBA’s best would battle for supremacy. But just as the tournament was set to tip-off, seven stars suffered injuries, reshaping the competition and leaving a massive $350,000 prize up for grabs. The sudden shake-up doesn’t just alter matchups—it underscores the relentless grind of the sport and the fine line between dominance and setback. With the field wide open, the question now is: Who will seize the moment and make it count?
According to an official statement from Unrivaled, the tournament had to be adjusted due to “lingering injuries” and a priority on “player wellbeing for regular-season games.” The result? The first-round sessions merged to a single session, significantly reshaping the lineup. Missing from action are Natasha Cloud, Alyssa Thomas, Tiffany Hayes, Marina Mabrey, Kate Martin, Brittney Sykes, and Kayla McBride.
Their absence not only alters the competitive landscape but also underscores the unpredictable nature of elite basketball. Even the best plans can face disruption from the wear and tear of the sport. As a result, the first-round matchups now look very different from the original plan. The updated bracket features eight newly adjusted pairings:
Allisha Gray vs. Jordin Canada
Jackie Young vs. Rickea Jackson
Breanna Stewart vs. Aaliyah Edwards
Napheesa Collier vs. Katie Lou Samuelson
Chelsea Gray vs. Shakira Austin
Kahleah Copper vs. Aliyah Boston
Rhyne Howard vs. Lexie Hull
Skylar Diggins-Smith vs. Dearica Hamby
In addition to these matchups, seven players have earned a direct pass to the second round: Arike Ogunbowale, Rae Burrell, Azura Stevens, Courtney Williams, Satou Sabally, and DiJonai Carrington. While this provides an advantage for those advancing without playing, it also takes away the opportunity for the original first-round matchups that fans had anticipated.
Unrivaled’s hurdles—And Why this matters
Unrivaled has already faced multiple challenges leading up to its historic tournament debut. Just two days before the first round, a planned game between Team Laces and Team Vinyl was canceled because of injuries, forcing a last-minute pivot. Instead of a game, players interacted with fans, signing autographs and engaging in discussions—keeping the energy alive despite the setbacks.
This tournament was supposed to redefine women’s basketball by putting the spotlight on individual talent in a head-to-head format. Unlike the traditional five-on-five setup, Unrivaled’s 1-on-1 model forces players to rely solely on their own skill, endurance, and strategy.
The rules amplify this intensity: a seven-second shot clock demands quick decision-making, a race-to-11 scoring format ensures high-paced action, and a “make-it, take-it” rule allows players to keep possession after scoring, potentially leading to dominant scoring runs.
Jan 17, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; Breanna Stewart (30) of the Mist collides with Allisha Gray (15) of the Lunar Owls during the second half of the Unrivaled women’s professional 3v3 basketball league at Wayfair Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
But with seven major absences, some of the biggest names in the WNBA will now miss out on the opportunity to compete for the massive prize money at stake. The tournament winner will walk away with $200,000, while the runner-up claims $50,000. Semifinalists receive $25,000 each, and in a unique twist, the champion’s teammates also receive $10,000—adding an extra layer of incentive beyond individual success.
The absences raise questions about the toll of year-round basketball on WNBA players. Many of these athletes play overseas during the offseason, pushing their bodies through relentless competition with little recovery time. The issue isn’t unique to Unrivaled—injuries have been a growing concern in the WNBA, particularly with star players logging heavy minutes across multiple leagues.
As the first round tips off, the focus will shift to those who remain in the fight for the $350,000 prize. For the stars still in the bracket, this is a chance to seize the moment and prove themselves as the best 1-on-1 player in the world. But for those who had to step away, it’s a harsh reminder that even in a game built on individual brilliance, sometimes, the biggest opponent isn’t the player in front of you—it’s the toll of the game itself.
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