The 3-on-3 Unrivaled league made history by attracting a staggering 21,490 fans to its inaugural tour stop at Philadelphia’s Xfinity Mobile Arena. This achievement marks the highest attendance ever recorded for a regular-season women’s professional basketball game, as well as for any event hosted at this venue. The announcement of the record attendance came during the first game of a Friday double-header.
“We felt the love tonight,” said Napheesa Collier, co-founder of the league. “I was just so filled up with joy. It was amazing.” Nola Henry, the coach of the Rose team, emphasized the significance of the event, stating, “It was just what women’s basketball deserves.” This event not only marked the league’s first game outside of Miami but also celebrated Philadelphia’s return to professional women’s basketball since the American Basketball League (ABL) era ended in 1998.
Unrivaled’s Impact and Future Plans
The Unrivaled league, which runs from early January through early March, is set to expand its reach with plans for multiple tour stops next season. Collier confirmed that details regarding the cities and number of stops will be announced in the future. The excitement surrounding the event was palpable, as fans gathered at the arena hours before tipoff, proudly wearing Unrivaled and WNBA gear.
Celebrity appearances added to the atmosphere, with notable figures including women’s basketball legend Dawn Staley, former NFL star Jason Kelce, comedians Wanda Sykes and Leslie Jones, and “Good Morning America” anchor Robin Roberts in attendance. Kyle Lowry, a guard for the Philadelphia 76ers, also joined the festivities, underscoring the community’s support for women’s sports.
Marina Mabrey, who made headlines with a record-setting 47 points and ten three-pointers during the event, shared her thoughts on the turnout. “I didn’t realize there was going to be so much hype around it and so much support,” she noted. “I think going to other cities would be great, so long as it’s feasible for everybody putting in all the work to get us here.”
Looking Ahead
The league’s season will continue in Miami, with the regular season extending through February. The playoffs are scheduled for March 2 and March 4. As anticipation builds for the future of women’s basketball, Philadelphia is set to welcome a WNBA expansion team in 2030, which will become the league’s 18th team.
The unprecedented turnout at the Unrivaled league’s Philadelphia event not only demonstrates the growing popularity of women’s basketball but also highlights the strong community support for the sport. The league’s ability to draw such a large crowd serves as a testament to the potential for future growth and engagement in women’s professional basketball.
