Exciting Time for Women’s Professional Basketball- New “Athletes Unlimited” League is Getting Close to Its Inaugural Season!

Viva Las Vegas! A new type of women’s professional basketball is breaking ground in Sin City next year. Athletes Unlimited, a business deal that already has its own women’s professional softball, lacrosse, and volleyball league is adding to the list. Set to tip-off on January 26th, 2022, Athletes Unlimited is excited to share the news of a new basketball league.

Just as the league layout is for the other three sports, the season will be five weeks. Each week players will be put into a draft and create new teams. The top players from the previous week will be named captains. A big motto that Athletes Unlimited prides itself on is giving the players full control, meaning no owners. As each week goes on the players/teams earn points that will be tallied at the end of the season to name the Athletes Unlimited Champion.  

Since the news was announced about the new league, the hype and support have been endless especially from the WNBA community. While the WNBA season is only 36 games during the summer months, many of the athletes head overseas to play in the off-season. Unfortunately, going abroad has its pros and cons.

Player contracts abroad continue to offer more in salary than the WNBA, who recently upped their salary cap. However, with the chance of a big contract, players find themselves having to leave their family and friends for an extended time. Living in a country they may know little about or even speak the language can become lonely. There’s also the chance of injury and increased wear and tear that can result in players possibly missing the WNBA season. 

Offering a chance to stay home, get paid, and rest up between seasons, Athletes Unlimited has caught the eye of many players already. Starting with Natasha Cloud, Sydney Colson, and Ty Young who were the first to sign and will serve as the players’ executive committee. This past week more current WNBA players were announced to the new league including Tianna Hawkins, Kiki Harrigan, Jantel Lavender, Odyssey Sims, Courtney Williams. Essence Carson who recently was with the WNBA Connecticut Sun for their 2020 season, and Kirby Burkholder, Tyce Knox, Jessica Kuster, Laurin Mincy who all have experience playing in overseas leagues also joined the league.

The league will have a total of 44 players for the season. While new players continue to sign, Athletes Unlimited will also be having an open tryout in Atlanta, Georgia December 11th and 12th where at least one spot will be open for grabs. 

As the WNBA season ended on such a high note with a huge push in its ratings, support, and overall coverage, it’s the perfect time to keep this movement going. Tickets for the inaugural season will go on sale in December. 

For news and information on the league, follow Athletes Unlimited @auprohoops on Instagram and Twitter!