Record-Breaking Night as Unrivaled Basketball League Debuts in Philly

The electric atmosphere and record-breaking performances at Philly's first Unrivaled basketball event showcase the growing popularity and potential of women's professional sports.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 12:12am

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An abstract expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors, with dynamic brushstrokes capturing the energy and movement of a women's basketball game, the players' forms dissolving into splashes of color.The electric atmosphere and record-breaking performances at the Unrivaled basketball league's debut in Philadelphia showcase the growing popularity and potential of women's professional sports.Philadelphia Today

The Unrivaled basketball league, founded in 2023 by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, made its debut in Philadelphia, packing Xfinity Mobile Arena with 21,490 fans for a doubleheader featuring some of the top women's basketball players in the world. The event was highlighted by a record-breaking performance from Lunar Owls' Marina Mabrey, who set new league records for three-pointers, single-game points, and points in a quarter.

Why it matters

The sold-out Unrivaled event in Philadelphia demonstrates the growing popularity and demand for women's professional basketball, even in a city that doesn't have its own WNBA team until 2030. The record-breaking attendance and excitement around the league's debut in Philly highlights the untapped potential for women's sports to draw large, passionate crowds.

The details

The Unrivaled basketball league features eight dynamic teams with rosters of six powerhouse players each, including WNBA stars like Sonia Citron and Paige Bueckers. The league's first-ever event outside of its traditional home in Miami's Sephora Arena took place at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, where a doubleheader featured Breeze vs. Phantom and Lunar Owls vs. Rose. In the second game, Lunar Owls' Marina Mabrey put on a show, setting new Unrivaled records for three-pointers (10), single-game points (47), and points in a quarter (27).

  • The Unrivaled basketball league was founded in 2023 by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart.
  • The league's first-ever event outside of Miami took place on January 30, 2026 in Philadelphia.

The players

Napheesa Collier

WNBA star and co-founder of the Unrivaled basketball league.

Breanna Stewart

WNBA star and co-founder of the Unrivaled basketball league.

Marina Mabrey

Player for the Lunar Owls who set new Unrivaled records for three-pointers, single-game points, and points in a quarter.

Paige Bueckers

Player for the Dallas Wings who participated in the Unrivaled doubleheader in Philadelphia.

Natasha Cloud

Player for the Phantom who gave an emotional post-game interview, highlighting the personal significance of playing in her hometown of Philadelphia.

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What’s next

The success of the Unrivaled basketball league's debut in Philadelphia has sparked conversations about the city potentially getting a WNBA team sooner than the currently planned 2030 expansion.

The takeaway

The sold-out Unrivaled event in Philadelphia demonstrates the growing popularity and demand for women's professional basketball, even in a city that doesn't have its own WNBA team until 2030. The record-breaking attendance and excitement around the league's debut in Philly highlights the untapped potential for women's sports to draw large, passionate crowds.