Philly is Unrivaled: Why it's the Perfect Home for Women's Basketball

Unrivaled is set to make history in the City of Brotherly Love.

(Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

Philly is officially Unrivaled! Cheesesteaks and all, the players are already embracing the northern culture—shoutout to Kahleah Copper.

In October 2025, Unrivaled announced it would play regular-season games in Philadelphia. This historic night, the city will host women’s professional basketball games for the first time since 1998. Tonight, there’s a doubleheader.

A women’s professional three-on-three basketball league—founded by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart–Unrivaled provides a unique opportunity for athletes to play stateside in the WNBA offseason. With games held from Friday through Monday at Sephora Arena in Miami, Unrivaled will jet out of South Beach for the night.

The league experienced exponential growth in its inaugural season. Generating 589 million social media impressions, the league exceeded 11.2 million viewers. Adding north of 20 partnerships, Unrivaled aligned with some of the most prominent brands in the world: Sephora, Samsung Galaxy, Under Armour, State Farm, Ally, Xfinity, IcyHot, and more.

Signing a six-year broadcast deal with TNT Sports in October 2024, the first season averaged 221,000 viewers, and merchandise sales eclipsed seven figures. Earning its own devout fan base, the appetite for more continues to grow. Expanding to eight teams, Unrivaled introduced Breeze BC and Hive BC for the 2026 season. Composed of 48 players, the league also added a Developmental Pool, including six players.

Women’s Professional Basketball Returns to Philadelphia

Previously home to the Philadelphia Rage, the team was a member of the American Basketball League (ABL) from 1996 until the league folded in 1998. 28 years later, women’s professional basketball is headed back to Philly. This time, focusing on an innovative league that only further elevates women’s hoops.

With continued growth, Unrivaled will head to Philadelphia, hosting community events and key matchups. Set to take place at Xfinity Mobile Arena—the home of the Philadelphia 76ers—the league is expanding its outreach. This time, fans across the Northeast will cap off the night with a taste of action firsthand.

But first, let’s break down the league, rules, key matchups, and Friday events. Be sure to follow Ballislife’s Geoff Magliochetti (@GeoffJMags on X), who’s boots on the ground for this historic night in Philadelphia…

UNRIVALED IS ON (tour stop edition) We are in Philly, and we promise you tonight will be nothing short of a movie

Set your alarms 7:30 pm ET on TNT, truTV, and HBO Max pic.twitter.com/ho5iV2pHIT

— Unrivaled Basketball (@Unrivaledwbb) January 30, 2026

Unrivaled: What to Know

Now in its second season, Unrivaled sets itself apart by playing three-on-three, full court basketball. Running from Jan. 5 to Mar. 4, games are played on a compacted court measuring 72 by 49.2 feet.

In addition to its Philadelphia tour, matchups will take place in Miami, and the format is innovative. Sorry, fans, there is no overtime in this league.

Featuring two matchups nightly, there are three seven-minute quarters. Skipping the traditional fourth quarter rules, the final quarter includes a target score. This is done by simply adding 11 points to the highest score at the end of the fourth quarter. With an 18-second shot clock, matchups can get intense, as each team is allowed one challenge per game.

For example, if Team A leads Team B 60–50 after the third quarter, the game continues until a target score of 71 is reached. Yes, matchups can end with a free-throw, and speaking of the charity stripe, let’s get into the rules…

In traditional basketball, players are typically awarded free-throw attempts based on the shot. In this case, one free throw is granted even if a player hits a mid-range or 3-point shot. If fouled on a two-point shot effort, one free throw is worth two points. Similar for a 3-pointer—one free-throw is worth three points.

As in the WNBA, a player fouls out after accumulating their sixth foul. Since each club’s roster has just six players, if a team is down to three players, a player who reaches six fouls remains in the game. Any additional fouls after that are counted as technicals.

The Matchups

Unrivaled announced that tonight’s (Jan. 30) games in Philadelphia are sold out, and four teams will face off. Both games will be broadcast on TNT, truTV, and HBO Max.

First up, Phantom BC (4-3) will take on Breeze BC (4-3) at 7:30 p.m. ET. Headlined by Paige Bueckers, Breeze is one of the youngest yet most exciting squads to watch. Led by former Seattle Storm player and head coach Noelle Quinn, Bueckers joins Dominique Malonga, Cameron Brink, Rickea Jackson, Aari McDonald, and Kate “Money” Martin.

Don’t sleep on this squad: Breeze has one of the most formidable frontcourts in the league, and Malonga recorded her first-ever Unrivaled dunk. It’s only a matter of time for Brink, who was seen dunking on social media. There’s a reason why Breeze leads the league in rebounding (37.4 RPG) and blocks (4.1 BPG).

Phantom BC vs. Breeze BC

While the team has missed both Jackson and McDonald, it offers a perfect mix of scoring, rim protection, and the ability to drive downhill when the three-ball isn’t falling. Bueckers ranks fourth overall in scoring (23.9 PPG), second in assists (6.4 APG), and leads Unrivaled with three game-winners.

There’s no question Phantom BC was written off by sportsbooks after Satou Sabally was ruled out for the season. Led by Kelsey Plum, the shifty guard has the pace, speed, and space that directly translates to three-on-three ball. Quick to get downhill, Plum boasts one of the most deadly, quickest jump shots in the league. No. 6 in scoring (21 PPG), Plum is undoubtedly a lethal guard.

Joining forces with Plum in the backfield are Natasha Cloud, Dana Evans, and Tiffany Hayes. A well-balanced team coached by Roneeka Hodges, Kiki Iriafen, and Aliyah Boston makes up a dangerous front-court duo. Even when Boston entered uncharted foul trouble, Iriafen showed why she can handle the rest.

A rematch of their opening night, can Phantom BC get redemption?

Philly is Unrivaled TOMORROW NIGHT

Coverage of our @Unrivaledwbb double-header tips off at 7 pm ET on TNT, truTV, & HBO Max pic.twitter.com/fSx3ZfyB6X

— TNT Sports U.S. (@TNTSportsUS) January 29, 2026

Rose BC vs. Lunar Owls BC

For the late-night showdown, Rose BC (6-1) will square off against Lunar Owls BC (1-6). The reigning Unrivaled inaugural champions, Chelsea Gray, Lexie Hull, Azurà Stevens, and coach Nola Henry return for another season. Led by the “Point Gawd,” Gray leads the league in 3-pointers made (4.0 3 PM), assists (6.4 APG), and points per game (29 PPG).

Gray is, without question, the catalyst to the team’s success. That said, this team is full of hoopers, especially now that Copper is back in action. Considered one of the most potent offensive teams, Rose BC has the perfect amount of spacing, especially with Hull, Copper, Stevens, and two-way protection (Hull and Copper).

Let’s not forget Sug Sutton, who’s a solid passer and finisher off the bench, along with Shakira Austin, who ranks top ten in rebounds per game (7.0 RPG).

Conversely, the Lunar Owls have just one victory on the season, which came against Vinyl BC. Once leaders to win it all last season, the club has struggled without stars Napheesa Collier and Skylar Diggins. Despite Diggins’ return, the club has lost two straight, including a 74-73 heartbreaker to Hive BC.

Lunar Owls BC has immense talent, including a two-headed monster with Aaliyah Edwards and Marina Mabrey. While Diggins return should provide much-needed scoring and energy, head coach DJ Sackmann must find a way to get Rebecca Allen and Rachel Banham more looks. While the team hasn’t completely gelled or rebounded from injuries, Mabrey and Edwards are averaging a combined 47.1 points per game. Posting a -75 point differential, Lunar Owls BC has been one of the least efficient clubs on both sides of the ball. Can they turn it around tonight?

Why Philly is the Perfect Destination

Given Unrivaled’s partnership with Xfinity, tonight’s events will bring a fan-first experience to Philadelphia. Not only does the league get a glimpse of expansion, but Philadelphia natives Natasha Cloud (Phantom) and Kahleah Copper (Rose) are also set to take part in this monumental night in their hometown.

Set to build upon the league’s deal with the network, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker—along with “Philly Sisters” and Unrivaled investors, Alex and Wanda Sykes—played a crucial role in bringing women’s basketball to Philadelphia. While the City of Brotherly Love hosts Tyrese Maxey and the 76ers, Philadelphia is set to become the WNBA’s 18th franchise in 2030.

Interest in women’s basketball is strong, and according to Just Women’s Sports, ticket demand for Unrivaled has surpassed that of the Sixers. Unrivaled Alex Bazzell has expressed interest in expansion, noting that similar opportunities will arise in the future.

Increasing its evaluation to $340 million, Unrivaled is only a few weeks into its second season, with optimism and gratitude at an all-time high. Bazzell highlighted the passionate Philadelphia fan base in a press release.

“The energy and dedication of everyone who helped bring this tour stop to life, combined with the passion of Philadelphia’s sports fans, made the city the perfect stage for Unrivaled. We’re incredibly grateful for the support from Mayor Parker, The Philly Sisters, Xfinity, Xfinity Mobile Arena, and the community as a whole, and we look forward to playing in front of the city’s eager women’s basketball fans at a famed arena known for its electric fan experience.”

The stage is set

See y’all at 7:30 PM ET at Xfinity Mobile Arena you don’t wanna miss this! pic.twitter.com/itUCcjT9qC

— Unrivaled Basketball (@Unrivaledwbb) January 30, 2026

Why Women’s Basketball Can Thrive in Philadelphia

Unrivaled’s first-ever Commissioner, Micky Lawler, delivered a statement to the media, sharing thrilling remarks for the league’s first Philadelphia tour.

“We are going to go on tour for the first time, and we are going to Philadelphia,” said Lawler. “The tour stop is called ‘Philly is Unrivaled presented by Xfinity.’ Xfinity has taken over the naming rights of the arena, and this happens on Jan. 30. We are very excited because this is a new milestone in the journey of Unrivaled. Philly is, of course, the ultimate sports city with the ultimate sports fans.”

The Cradle of Liberty is home to the 76ers (NBA), Phillies (MLB), Eagles (NFL), Flyers (NHL), and six NCAA Division I schools. Featuring the Big 5 Annual Preseason Classic, Villanova, Temple, St. Joseph’s, La Salle, the University of Pennsylvania, and Drexel University all participate, showcasing local men’s and women’s basketball programs.

Unrivaled Philadelphia Events

In addition to tonight’s festivities and local community events, hip-hop star and Philadelphia native Lay Bankz is set to perform in between matchups. Notable for her debut song “Tell ur Girlfriend,” Banks is the first female musician to sign with Under Armour, also a sponsor of Unrivaled.

Furthermore, Unrivaled has implemented several fan activations. Starting with a Philly watch Party at 4:30 p.m ET hosted at Stateside, Unrivaled has several game-day activations that will give fans the full experience.

Ally interactive concourse activations in sections 108 and 109, and the in-game Ally Surprise Savings Row
Miller Lite Bar Takeover in sections 106 and 107 and in-game Miller Lite fan trivia
Maker’s Mark tasting in the Shift4 Courtside Club
Sephora surprise in-game parachute drop, as well as an interactive concourse activation featuring a replica Sephora Tunnel near the main entrance
Cheez-It Sharp Shooter in-game competition
The Realest is providing an opportunity for fans to bid on game-used basketballs from the historic Philly is Unrivaled presented by Xfinity tour stop

The first Unrivaled matchup between Phantom BC and Breeze BC will tipoff at 7:30 p.m. ET. For the evening clash, Rose BC will square off against Lunar Owls BC at 9:15 p.m. ET. Bringing the South Beach energy all night, catch the action on TNT, truTV, and HBO Max. Per Unrivaled, merchandise will be available at select locations inside the arena, including limited edition Philly Unrivaled Merch.

Be sure to follow Sara Jane on X, @SaraJGamelli