The preparations for Unrivaled’s second season are officially complete. The coaches conducted an internal draft on Wednesday, unveiling two new clubs — the Breeze and Hive. These teams were awarded the top picks during the draft process.
Bueckers Joins Unrivaled Team
The Breeze claimed the No. 1 pick after winning the coin toss. They selected a formidable lineup featuring:
- Paige Bueckers
- Rickea Jackson
- Dominique Malonga
- Aari McDonald
- Kate Martin
- Cameron Brink
The Hive followed closely by drafting Kelsey Mitchell, Sonia Citron, Ezi Magbegor, Natisha Hiedeman, Saniya Rivers, and Monique Billings.
Protected Players and Draft Details
The four playoff teams from the previous season, namely the Rose, Lunar Owls, Vinyl, and Laces, safeguarded two players each. This meant they could not be picked by the new expansion teams. The non-playoff teams, the Phantom and Mist, protected one player each. Notably, teams with safeguarded players forfeited the corresponding number of draft picks.
The reigning champion, the Rose, returns several key players including:
- Chelsea Gray (protected)
- Kahleah Copper (protected)
- Azurá Stevens
- Lexie Hull
- Shakira Austin
- Sug Sutton
However, Angel Reese, a standout from last year’s roster, will not participate this season.
The Lunar Owls, who had a standout regular season, bring back protected players Napheesa Collier and Skylar Diggins. They also add Marina Mabrey, Aaliyah Edwards, Rachel Banham, and Rebecca Allen to their roster.
Team Vinyl features top talents like:
- Courtney Williams
- Rhyne Howard (protected)
- Dearica Hamby (protected)
- Erica Wheeler
- Rae Burrell
- Brittney Griner
The Laces have made significant additions as well, including:
- Jackie Young (protected)
- Brittney Sykes
- Alyssa Thomas (protected)
- Jordin Canada
- Maddy Siegrist
- Naz Hillmon
The Phantom’s roster includes Kelsey Plum, Satou Sabally (protected), and Aliyah Boston, among others. Meanwhile, the Mist features Allisha Gray and Unrivaled co-founder Breanna Stewart (protected), alongside several rising stars.
Development Pool and Upcoming Schedule
This season introduces a development pool consisting of six players. These individuals will train at Unrivaled’s headquarters and can be signed by teams if needed. The pool includes:
- Hailey Van Lith
- Aziaha James
- Haley Jones
- Emily Engstler
- Laeticia Amihere
- Makayla Timpson
The games are set to commence on January 5 and will predominantly take place in Miami. Four teams will travel to Philadelphia for a pair of games on January 30, marking the league’s inaugural tour stop.
