All eyes are on the WNBA CBA negotiations. Players are looking to get ‘their worth’ while the league wants to grow with a new market and fan base. Amid this, Unrivaled made a big move, signing the upcoming talent like Azzi Fudd and JuJu Watkins to a new NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) deal.
NBA’s growth model currently depends on the young players coming into the league with their talents and massive fan base. For the second consecutive year, the league has seen many megastars bringing in more eyeballs to the game. Rookies Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Paige Bueckers, and Kiki Iriafen played a vital role in it. But Unrivaled has always been a step ahead of the ‘W.’
JuJu Watkins And Azzi Fudd Headline Unrivaled New Signings
Unrivaled was formed by WNBA players Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart in 2023. The idea behind the ‘separate league’ was to provide WNBA players with a domestic, well-compensated alternative to playing overseas during the offseason.
Interestingly, due to massive funding and fan following of the new format, the league guaranteed substantial earnings. These are sometimes more than ‘W.’ In recent updates, the 3-on-3 women’s basketball league made new additions like Azzi Fudd (UConn), JuJu Watkins (USC), Sarah Strong (UConn), and Flau’Jae Johnson (LSU).
While these are future superstars for the ‘W’, playing in the Unrivaled will make them competitive and ready for the bigger league. Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong have already proved their talents and won the NCAA title in 2025. Watkins, on the other hand, is the most talented guard in women’s basketball.
Other new signing players include Olivia Miles (TCU), Sienna Betts, Lauren Betts, Kiki Rice (UCLA), Audi Crooks (Iowa State), Madison Booker (Texas), MiLaysia Fulwiley (LSU), Syla Swords (Michigan), and Ta’Niya Latson (South Carolina). Interestingly, the players are still playing in their college careers, with a few sophomores making the new league.
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The current superstars of the WNBA, Angel Reese, Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier, and Lexie Hull, have played in Unrivaled, making it popular among fans.
JuJu Watkins And Azzi Fudd Are Ready For Pro League
Unrivaled is a competitive and attractive prospect for young women’s basketball players. But their main aim is to play in the WNBA—the pro league for Women’s basketball. Many rookies like Bueckers, Clark, and Reese made their mark in their first season and set an example for the upcoming stars.
JuJu Watkins and People’s Princess are more ready to jump into the ‘W.’ The USC guard is not eligible for the 2025 WNBA draft, having just completed her sophomore year. She is also recovering from an injury that will keep her out of action for most of the 2025 season. But the offensive star has a career average of nearly 26 points, making her the top prospect of her class. She also averages seven rebounds and four assists.
On the other hand, Fudd is part of the group that could enter the 2026 WNBA draft. She is a talented, ‘do-it-all’ star who could impact the game in multiple ways. In her four seasons with UConn so far, she has averaged above 13 points, two rebounds, two assists, and one steal.
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