PHILADELPHIA – The 3-on-3 Unrivaled league made waves during its first-ever tour stop, attracting a stunning 21,490 fans to Xfinity Mobile Arena. This set a new record for attendance at a regular-season women’s basketball game and for the venue itself.
“It was unbelievable,” said league co-founder Napheesa Collier. “You could feel the love tonight. I was just so filled with joy. It was amazing.”
The event kicked off with a community clinic on Thursday, followed by games on Friday. In the first match, the Phantom edged the Breeze 71-68, while the Lunar Owls defeated the Rose 85-75. Rose coach Nola Henry noted, “It was just what women’s basketball deserves.”
This game marked a significant moment for Philadelphia, as it was the first professional women’s basketball game there since 1998, when the city last hosted the Philadelphia Rage in the ABL. Philadelphia is gearing up for a WNBA expansion team set to launch in 2030, further highlighting the city’s commitment to women’s basketball.
Fans arrived early, proudly wearing Unrivaled and WNBA gear, and stayed for all three hours of intense action. The event attracted various celebrities, including basketball legend Dawn Staley and NFL star Jason Kelce, showcasing the sport’s growing appeal.
Collier emphasized the importance of such support. “It’s a testament to what we’re building here. To see the city show up and break this record in women’s professional basketball is just amazing. The future’s Unrivaled.”
Marina Mabrey, who scored a record 47 points in this game, shared her excitement: “I didn’t realize there’d be so much hype. I think going to other cities would be great.”
The 3-on-3 Unrivaled league plans to expand its tour next season, with more cities to be announced. This growth reflects a broader trend in women’s sports, as recent statistics show increased investment and media coverage. For instance, a report from the Women’s Sports Foundation reveals that viewership of women’s sports has increased by over 50% in the past year, signaling a shift in public interest.
The excitement around this event and upcoming expansion highlights the ongoing growth of women’s basketball, signifying a promising future for the sport.
