Unrivaled’s Philadelphia event showcases the growing momentum among WNBA players amid ongoing labor negotiations

Philadelphia’s passionate sports culture, combined with the progressive attitudes of women’s basketball supporters, created a powerful atmosphere during a historic event. On Friday night, over 21,000 spectators filled the Unrivaled 3×3 women’s basketball league’s doubleheader in Philadelphia, setting attendance records for a regular-season women’s professional basketball game and for the Xfinity Mobile Arena, which also hosts the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers. The enthusiasm and energy from the crowd demonstrated that the rise of women’s basketball is a collective movement driven by more than just individual stars.

The event’s star-studded audience included comedians Wanda Sykes and Leslie Jones, NBA veterans Andre Drummond and Kyle Lowry, and notable Philadelphians Jason and Kylie Kelce. Philadelphia native Dawn Staley, a legendary figure in women’s basketball and current South Carolina coach, was also present, embodying the city’s deep roots in the sport. Staley’s presence created a link between the game’s history and its present, as she was a standout player for the Philadelphia Rage of the short-lived American Basketball League (ABL) in 1998—Philadelphia’s last hosting of women’s professional basketball before the WNBA.

Local players like Kahleah Copper and Natasha Cloud, both Philadelphia natives, were treated like heroes. Copper, a WNBA champion and Olympic gold medalist, and Cloud, also a champion and a steady contributor for the New York Liberty, received a hero’s welcome. The city’s historic significance as the birthplace of American liberty added a meaningful layer to the night’s celebration of freedom and empowerment. However, amidst this positive energy, an elephant loomed— the ongoing labor dispute between WNBA players and team owners.

The players and owners had their first bargaining session since October on Monday, with WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike attending in person, and vice presidents Kelsey Plum, Napheesa Collier, and Breanna Stewart participating virtually due to travel issues. The recent gathering suggested that players had gained momentum compared to earlier negotiations. Cloud, who played for the Phantom Basketball Club that won the game 71-68 over the Breeze, voiced her frustration and highlighted the disparity between the players’ rising demand and investment in the sport and how they are being treated by the league’s leadership.

“We’re not worried,” Cloud said to reporters. “All the power is in our hands now. We’ve never seen so much momentum, so much demand for our sport. I’m honestly upset and frustrated—disgusted—by how the WNBA is handling this. They undervalue us, don’t recognize our worth, and aren’t doing enough to push our sport forward.”

Women’s basketball players, often considered among the most socially progressive athletes, have long been active in political and social justice causes. Their advocacy stretches back to support for Raphael Warnock’s 2020 Senate campaign and the Minnesota Lynx’s Black Lives Matter protests in 2016. Despite their activism, the sport has struggled for decades to turn cultural moments into financial growth. The WNBA and the earlier American Basketball League emerged from the momentum of the U.S. women’s national team’s success at the 1996 Olympics and rivalries in college basketball that made programs like UConn and Tennessee household names.

JerMontae Hill (right) of Morehouse College makes a move against Tuskegee University’s defense in the 2025 NBA HBCU Classic. Tuskegee won 68-55.

However, it took nearly 30 years for another significant cultural moment to emerge, this time in the form of a clash between stars Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark and an influx of talented players. When Collier and Stewart, both UConn alumni, launched Unrivaled in good faith—aiming to support women’s basketball and provide players with stability amid the league’s “prioritization rule,” which limited players’ options to play internationally for more lucrative pay—they intended to uplift the sport. Unrivaled also signed 14 women’s college players to NIL deals, including rising stars JuJu Watkins and Flau’jae Johnson.

A 2025 press release recognized Collier and Stewart for being named to the TIME 100 list, highlighting Unrivaled’s mission to elevate the women’s basketball ecosystem and give players a stake in their sport’s success. Yet, the stakes for women’s basketball have been high for years, exemplified by the 2022 detention of Brittney Griner in Russia, which made players reevaluate their overseas careers and safety.

Collier reflected on the risks, telling CNN that going overseas isn’t worth it for her now—especially with a family at home. The ongoing labor dispute underscores the broader fight for respect, fair compensation, and recognition for women’s basketball players, who seek to capitalize on recent league expansion and new television deals. Their struggle also highlights the persistent misogyny and misinformation targeting women’s sports, which makes the Philadelphia event all the more significant.

The city’s nickname, “Philadelphia soul,” captures a spirit of activism and empowerment, embodied by the players’ union’s advocacy. Women’s basketball stars have long embraced social issues—Stewart recently criticized U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Cloud emphasized that players are standing firm “10 toes down” in their fight for fairness.

This event and the players’ activism exemplify an ongoing movement that seeks to reshape the sport’s future—one rooted in social justice, economic fairness, and cultural significance. The four teams in the doubleheader showcased exciting basketball, but more importantly, they highlighted the ongoing push for player empowerment and the broader advocacy efforts led by the women’s basketball community.