Amid the WNBA=WNBPA standoff, the Unrivaled season 2 is underway, but it received an underwhelming response from the fans. Unrivaled is hoping for long-term success despite plummeting TV ratings, raising concerns.
Now they will have a competition in the form of Athletes Unlimited as the fifth season starts with players like Tina Charles, Breanna Turner, and many other WNBA stars taking the court.
The 5-on-5 league found success with its model. Although it didn’t get the hype it expected, the league sustained in the tough competition, and now the 2026 edition will have 4 WNBA stars featuring in the tournament.
Tina Charles Leads The Athletes Unlimited Roster
The 3-on-3 on-basketball format got the attention of the fans with its star-studded lineup and fast-paced gameplay. But Athletes Unlimited remained consistent with its model and even attracted a few big names from the WNBA. The upcoming edition will have 40 players, out of which 20 already played in previous editions, while 20 new stars will join the tournament in Nashville.
Many veteran stars like Tina Charles, Breanna Turner, Aerial Powers, Isabelle Harrison, Ariel Atkins, and Bria Hartley will be back in the lineup. Kia Nurse, Odyssey Sims, and Kiah Stokes are other big names in the lineup.
Athletes Unlimited has announced its final roster, ahead of the 2026 season tipping off on February 4. From the release, “Leading the roster is a veteran core led by Tina Charles, the all-time WNBA leader in rebounds and field goals made. Additional WNBA veteran standouts include… pic.twitter.com/Igh9y4uZcV
— Myles (@MylesEhrlich) January 15, 2026
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The new entrants will be Aneesha Morrow, NaLyssa Smith, Deja Kelly, Kaitlyn Chen, Jaylyn Sherrod, Jacy Sheldon, Te-Hina Paopao, Zia Cooke, and Aaliyah Nye.
“The depth across all 40 spots is exceptional, and it’s going to make this one of the most challenging and compelling seasons we’ve had,” said Megan Perry, vice president of basketball for Athletes Unlimited. Kysre Gondrezic, a former WNBA star, was also part of the roster, but the week before the reporting suffered a heartbreaking injury.
As for Charles, this would be a chance for the 37-year-old to get some action before deciding on her WNBA future.
Tina Charles Gets Emotional On WNBA 2025 Season Conclusion
Playing the final home game of the 2025 season, the former UConn star showed her capabilities, scoring 22 points and 10 rebounds to seal an incredible 87-84 win. But the forward got emotional after the win.
“I want to thank our fans for sticking with us all year long,” Charles said. “It’s been a rough season. We’ve been able to turn it around and pick it up. That’s why I wanted to come back to Connecticut. The faces have changed, but the love has always been the same, so very thankful,” Charles said after the game.
TINA CHARLES IS THAT 🤬#BringTheHeat | #SunWin pic.twitter.com/Uqt7Kv8wfB
— Connecticut Sun (@ConnecticutSun) September 6, 2025
Her return to the Sun was very productive as Charles surpassed Sylvia Fowles in double-double records. She is an unrestricted free agent at the moment.