Rivalry on the Court, Partners off It

Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart are a power duo. Both are fierce competitors on the court but share a unique business bond off it. Their three-on-three league, Unrivaled, is a testament to this. Collier, after losing a tough match, made it clear she won’t forget it. The loss was hard to swallow. She pointed out unfair officiating as a key factor. Collier’s frustration was evident. She wasn’t shy about her feelings. The loss was a significant one and a tough pill to swallow. Collier had a stellar season, so this loss was especially bitter. The final moments of the game were intense. Alanna Smith was called for a foul. This sent the game into overtime. The Liberty capitalized and won. Even LeBron James weighed in, tweeting, "I’m sorry but that wasn’t a foul! " The foul calls were not equal. Stewart got 31 free throws. Collier only got 14. The disparity was clear. Collier isn't letting this loss go. She’s using it as fuel. She’s determined to improve her game. The loss and the officiating were part of the reason for creating Unrivaled. Both players have a competitive spirit. When they put their rivalry aside, they formed the league. The idea for the league started two years ago. Collier and her husband, Alex Bazzell, had the idea. They shared it with Stewart. Stewart was excited about the idea. She had played in various overseas leagues. The timing was perfect for women’s sports. They managed to launch the league in just two years. Top players from the WNBA joined. Sponsors like Samsung, Miller Lite, Sprite, State Farm, Wayfair, and Sephora came on board. Collier’s business sense is evident. She’s using this to better herself and the players. The goal is a better future for everyone involved.