Hundreds of people gathered at LOVE Park to witness a historic announcement: professional
women’s basketball will return to Philadelphia for the first time since 1998.
The league Unrivaled, co-founded by Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, chose
Philadelphia as the first stop on its national tour. The 3-on-3 tournament, which debuted in
Miami in 2025, will be played on January 30 at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
The league’s president, Alex Bazell, explained that choosing this city was a natural decision.
“Coming to Philadelphia — a historic place for sports and basketball — was an easy decision. This is the first time we are leaving Miami, and if we go somewhere, we are going to do it big. We are going to roll out the red carpet for Philadelphia fans,” he said.
Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, the first woman to lead the city, emphasized the importance of the
moment. “This is history in motion. Unrivaled not only gives players a court, it gives them
ownership and equity. Representation matters, and it’s no accident that this is happening here,
in a city of firsts.” Parker also issued a clear call to fans: “Unrivaled will be judged by how we fill
the stands. We have the responsibility to show that Philadelphia is ready.”
Councilmember Isaiah Thomas highlighted that Unrivaled’s arrival comes at a key moment for
economic justice. “Women’s sports revenues are at historic levels. It’s not just about how much
money is being generated, it’s about the share of profit. With a new WNBA contract on the
horizon, this is the time to demand that women be paid fairly.”
years. Photo Mar Santana/Alfaro Media
Excitement was also felt among local figures. Natasha Cloud, an Unrivaled player and St.
Joseph’s University alum, said returning home is special: “We’ve already sold about 5,000
tickets since the announcement, but that’s not enough. We need to sell out Xfinity Mobile Arena
and show why Philadelphia is the best sports city in the world.”
The event also highlighted the role of queer spaces in the rise of women’s sports. Chivonn
Anderson, owner of the new women’s sports bar Marsha’s, said: “I’m beyond excited and
inspired. In Philadelphia, when you give everything to your community, people respond. That
energy transforms the city — and we’re here to give it right back.”
The afternoon was filled with local pride, featuring artists like Tierra Whack, who encouraged
fans to “support each other and showcase women’s talent,” and honoring legends like Dawn
Staley, a living example of the power of women’s basketball in the city.
Read also:FIFA presenta Trionda, el balón oficial de la Copa del Mundo de 2026
Unrivaled promises a new standard: minimum salaries of $100,000, equity stakes in the league
for all players, and top-level training conditions. For many athletes, it means no longer having to
travel overseas just to make a living.
On January 30, Philadelphia will once again host professional women’s basketball after 25
years, in an event that unites sport, representation, and community. As repeated several times
at LOVE Park: Philly is Unrivaled.
By: Martin Alfaro
Noticias Newswire
