Brittney Griner, a 10-time WNBA All-Star, is set to join Unrivaled, a new three-on-three basketball league that is poised to make a major splash in the sports world. The league is scheduled to kick off its inaugural season in January 2025, and Griner is the latest high-profile player to commit. With her addition, she becomes the 24th confirmed player in a league that promises to bring an exciting twist to the basketball landscape.

Unrivaled, which is drawing significant attention for its unique format and star power, will feature 30 players divided among six teams. One of the standout features of the league is its lucrative pay structure, with a salary floor starting at $100,000, a considerable sum for players accustomed to offseason play overseas for financial reasons. Griner’s decision to join Unrivaled marks a significant shift for many WNBA players, who have historically sought offseason opportunities abroad due to higher pay—something Griner herself did before her detainment in Russia in 2022.

In 2022, Griner was detained in Russia for over nine months after being accused of drug smuggling, a harrowing experience that brought international attention and a diplomatic effort to secure her release. Since returning to the U.S., Griner has been outspoken about her desire to avoid playing overseas, making Unrivaled’s offer particularly appealing. The league provides top-tier compensation while allowing WNBA players to remain stateside, avoiding the need to travel abroad for supplementary income.

Unrivaled has also garnered attention for how it integrates with the WNBA’s new prioritization rule, which mandates that players prioritize their WNBA commitments over international play. This new league offers a unique solution for players who want to keep competing and earning in the offseason without violating the WNBA’s requirements. Since the schedules of the two leagues do not overlap, players like Griner can play in both without conflict, creating a harmonious balance between their regular season and offseason commitments.

Griner, who plays as a center for the Phoenix Mercury, remains one of the most dominant players in the WNBA. Her decision to join Unrivaled signals not only her desire to continue honing her craft in the offseason but also her support for a growing movement of players who want more domestic options. The new league will bring fast-paced, three-on-three action to basketball fans and offer athletes a chance to stay in the U.S. while earning a competitive salary.

As Unrivaled prepares to launch, its star-studded roster is expected to be a major draw, providing a fresh and innovative approach to professional basketball. Griner’s presence in the league is sure to attract even more attention, adding to the momentum of what is shaping up to be a landmark moment for women’s basketball.