Unrivaled League Teams Up with Under Armour: A Game-Changer for Women’s Basketball
At Extreme Investor Network, we’re always on the lookout for trends that can disrupt industries and create investment opportunities. The recent announcement of Unrivaled, a new startup basketball league focused on 3×3 women’s hoops, aligning with renowned sportswear company Under Armour, marks a significant milestone in the evolution of women’s professional sports. This partnership is not only a thrilling development for athletes but also an intriguing investment opportunity.
The Partnership: What You Need to Know
On November 3, 2021, in Houston, Texas, Unrivaled revealed a multiyear deal with Under Armour to serve as its official uniform partner and performance outfitter. This partnership is pivotal, especially as the league gears up for its inaugural season starting January 17 in Miami. This timing is crucial; winter is typically a downtime for basketball, making a league exclusively for women’s play an attractive option during the off-season.
While the financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, Under Armour will provide players, coaches, and staff with high-performance apparel and accessories—both on and off the court. Sean Eggert, Under Armour’s Senior Vice President of Global Sports Marketing, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “We couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with Unrivaled to outfit some of the best women’s basketball players in the world."
Revolutionizing the Off-Season Game
Historically, many WNBA players had no choice but to seek opportunities overseas during the off-season, primarily driven by the league’s relatively low starting salaries—around $64,154, according to ESPN. In contrast, Unrivaled aims to change the game by offering highly competitive salaries and equity incentives for its players, marking this league as potentially the highest-paying women’s professional sports league in history. The fact that Unrivaled has already signed 36 top players speaks volumes to its attractiveness.
It’s not merely about pay, though. Unrivaled’s structure aims to keep athletes engaged and invested in U.S. basketball during off-peak seasons while building a strong foundation for women’s professional sports in the country.
Under Armour’s Strategy Shift
Under Armour’s partnership with Unrivaled indicates a strategic pivot to enhance its image and reach within women’s sports, especially as it fights to regain traction after a string of leadership changes and declining stock performance—down about 81% from its peak in 2015. Founder Kevin Plank is back at the helm, leading a focused turnaround strategy that looks to position Under Armour as a premium brand by moving away from discounting practices.
While former CEO Stephanie Linnartz aimed to broaden Under Armour’s appeal among women, Plank’s reinvigorated approach will likely emphasize notable partnerships like Unrivaled to resonate with female athletes and the growing consumer base around women’s sports.
A Bright Future for Women’s Sports
As women’s basketball garners more visibility and support, partnerships like these are pivotal for both the athletes and brands involved. Under Armour’s focus on female athletes—and their commitment to provide all players without existing shoe deals with Under Armour footwear—illustrates an evolving commitment to uplifting women’s sports at all levels.
At Extreme Investor Network, we recognize this shift as more than just a marketing strategy; it’s an opportunity for investors to consider the potentials of the burgeoning women’s sports market. The visibility of women athletes, along with increasing consumer interest, could yield impressive returns in the coming years.
Conclusion: The Time to Invest is Now
As the landscape of women’s professional sports transforms, and leagues like Unrivaled gain momentum, the synergy between athletic performance and branding becomes increasingly apparent. This partnership serves as a testament to how collaboration can lead to powerful change, not only for the athletes but also for investors and brand enthusiasts seeking to capitalize on this dynamic market.
Stay tuned with Extreme Investor Network for the latest insights and investment opportunities in burgeoning markets. The future of women’s sports has never looked brighter!