The 2024 Athletes Unlimited basketball league is witnessing a historic surge in participation by WNBA players, marking a significant evolution since its inception in 2022. Impressively, 72.5% of the league’s athletes boast WNBA experience, a substantial increase from the initial season’s 34%.
Among the 40 AU players this season, 18 recently concluded their WNBA campaigns, and 11 others, including the accomplished Angel McCoughtry, bring prior WNBA experience to the mix. This heightened involvement can be attributed to limited overseas playing opportunities arising from the circumstances in Israel, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and the WNBA’s prioritization rule, restricting players’ off-season engagements.
Athletes Unlimited’s unconventional format sets it apart, featuring no team owners and a direct profit-sharing model with players. Mirroring WNBA rules, the basketball season offers a prize pool exceeding $1 million, with the victor claiming around $50,000. The weekly redrafting of teams based on top scorers adds an engaging dynamic, as the leading four point-scorers become captains. Notably, the league encompasses not only basketball but also softball, volleyball, and lacrosse.
The synergy between the WNBA and AU enters its second year, generating excitement and endorsement from Colie Edison, the WNBA Chief Growth Officer. Edison underlined the significance of the collaboration, emphasizing the WNBA App’s role as the exclusive free, live streaming partner for AU Pro Basketball. This collaboration aims to expand access to women’s basketball globally, as expressed by Edison in a statement to Doug Feinberg of the Associated Press.
Prominent WNBA players, including Laeticia Amihere, Kierstan Bell, Kalani Brown, Kelsey Mitchell, and Natasha Cloud, are actively participating in this season, contributing to the league’s vibrant atmosphere. Cheri Kempf, Senior Vice President of Athletes Unlimited, expressed enthusiasm for the continued partnership, highlighting its positive impact on the evolution and visibility of women’s basketball.
