Another big name has joined the Unrivaled party.
The inaugural season of the new women’s basketball league is set to start next week and they now have a tennis superstar as a backer.
Women’s tennis star Coco Gauff has invested in the professional 3-on-3 women’s basketball league, Unrivaled basektball.
The new league was founded by U.S. Olympians Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart and will begin on Friday, January 17th.
The format sees six teams each with six players and includes WNBA stars like Angel Reese and Sabrina Ionescu.
The league was founded to enable WNBA players to play in the U.S. during the offseason and features smaller courts with four seven-minute quarters.
Gauff shared her excitement in backing the new league on social media stating her desire to “uplift women’s sports.”
“My dad always wanted me to follow in his footsteps and play basketball. Haha sorry dad but this is as close as it will get,” Gauff posted on X.
“In all seriousness, I’m incredibly my grateful to get the opportunity to uplift women’s sports and I am super excited to join the
@Unrivaledwbb family! I can’t wait to watch.”
Just last month, Unrivaled closed a Series A investment round with the league securing $28million in funding from other high-profile athletes.
This included the likes of two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, 23-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps and NBA legend Carmelo Anthony.
Other non-sport stars have also invested in the league with actors Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis leading another group of celebrities who are backing Unrivaled.
An official statement on Unrivaled’s website shared Gauff’s passion for basketball and her aim to elevate women’s sports further.
“I’m thrilled to be joining Unrivaled as an investor,” Gauff said in a press release.
“Basketball is one of my favorite sports, and the chance to support a league that’s redefining the game is exciting.
“I look forward to being part of this movement and continuing to help elevate women’s sports to new heights.”
Gauff’s investment takes the total amount raised to $35m with organisers of the league stating this is “indicative of the tangible enthusiasm for Unrivaled that transcends and elevates women’s sports.”
The American’s attention will now switch back to the Australian Open where she is a huge favourite and begins this Sunday, January 12.
