Unrivaled League 2025 Draft Overview
The Unrivaled season begins on January 5, with several games scheduled in Philadelphia on January 1. On Wednesday, Paige Bueckers was selected first overall by The Breeze in the league's draft. The Breeze is one of two new teams joining the 3-on-3 league based in Miami.
New Teams and First Picks
- The Breeze picked Paige Bueckers, who was also the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft by Dallas in April.
- The Hive, the other expansion team, chose Kelsey Mitchell with the second pick.
Draft Format and Player Distribution
Players were categorized into six groups based on position: guards, wings, and forwards. The draft consisted of six rounds, with eight teams selecting alternately.
The Breeze Roster
- Paige Bueckers
- Rickea Jackson
- Dominique Malonga
- Aari McDonald
- Kate Martin
- Cameron Brink
The Hive Roster
- Kelsey Mitchell
- Sonia Citron
- Ezi Magbegor
- Natisha Hiedeman
- Saniya Rivers
- Monique Billings
Protection Rules for Returning Teams
Last season's four playoff teams—Rose, Lunar Owls, Vinyl, and Laces—were allowed to protect two players each, preventing them from being drafted by new teams. Teams that missed the playoffs, Phantom and Mist, could protect one player each.
Notable Players on Returning Teams
- Rose (defending champions): Chelsea Gray, Kahleah Copper, Lexie Hull, Azura Stevens, Shakira Austin, Sug Sutton
- Lunar Owls: Marina Mabrey, Aaliyah Edwards, Rebecca Allen, Rachel Banham, co-founder Napheesa Collier, Skylar Diggins
"The Breeze is one of two new clubs for the 3-on-3 league that plays in Miami in the winter."
"The league let the four playoff teams from last season—Rose, Lunar Owls, Vinyl and Laces—protect two players from their rosters who couldn't be drafted by one of the expansion teams."
Author's summary: Paige Bueckers leads The Breeze as the new teams reshape the Unrivaled league ahead of its January 5 season opener.