MEDLEY, Fla. – Skylar Diggins-Smith made history by scoring the first-ever game-winning shot in Unrivaled, igniting a fervent celebration as her teammates and coaches dashed onto the court in excitement.

Unrivaled – the brand-new 3-on-3 women’s basketball league founded by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart – seems to have struck gold with its unique target score format for the fourth quarter, setting it apart in competitive play.

When matches are closely contested, like the league’s opening game on Friday, where Diggins-Smith clinched the win for the Lunar Owls with two late three-pointers, the thrill factor increases dramatically, leading to electrifying finishes and celebrations.

“That’s the thing about this game, you can come back at any time,” Diggins-Smith, a former Notre Dame standout and WNBA star, remarked.

Collier echoed her sentiments: “It’s incredibly entertaining. Every game feels significant, with high stakes, because there’s bound to be a game-winner in every match.”

The conclusion of the first game perfectly showcased what Unrivaled aimed to achieve on its debut night.

The league aims to redefine women’s sports with improved salaries and equitable team dynamics for players. The gameplay itself features rapid action on a 70-foot court, with the inaugural match nearly reaching 100 field-goal attempts and a total of 89 shots taken in the second game. Teams compete to reach a target score, known as the Elam Ending, which is set at 11 points above the leading score prior to the final quarter, ensuring exciting outcomes.

Among the crowd were Steve Nash and Alex Morgan, part of an enthusiastic audience of over 850 fans at Wayfair Arena, a makeshift basketball venue located just seven miles from Miami International Airport, providing an intimate yet high-stakes atmosphere for both games.

Collier scored 27 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, contributing to the Lunar Owls’ 84-80 victory, while Stewart recorded six points and 14 rebounds for the Mist in the first match. Rhyne Howard led the Vinyl to a 79-73 win against Angel Reese and the Rose in the next game.

“The competitive spirit is palpable in the gym. It’s felt by everyone — from the players to the fans,” noted Chelsea Gray, a star from the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces.

We’ll see if the viewership from the debut night holds up amidst a busy sports weekend, as Unrivaled faces stiff competition from other major sporting events. The league has a tough road ahead in capturing and retaining fans’ attention during its nine-week season.

On Saturday, during Unrivaled’s next set of matches featuring Sabrina Ionescu and Brittney Griner, Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs kick off their quest for a third consecutive Super Bowl in their first playoff game of the NFL season (4:30 p.m. ET). Meanwhile, the U.S. men’s soccer team will compete against Venezuela (3 p.m. ET) as it embarks on the journey toward the 2026 World Cup under new coach Mauricio Pochettino. The USMNT game will air on TNT, while Unrivaled will be broadcast on TruTv — both aiming for viewers streaming on Max.

Unrivaled has chosen not to schedule games on Sundays to avoid a clash with the Super Bowl on February 9 but is set to compete against the college football national championship game between Ohio State and Notre Dame on Monday night, closing out its opening weekend.

Alex Bazzell, president of Unrivaled and Collier’s husband, mentioned he has been in talks with TNT and Warner Bros. Discovery regarding viewership expectations for the league. He believes Unrivaled has already gained momentum through its marketing and social media efforts before its launch.

“We aren’t anticipating WNBA-level viewership. Our goal is to improve week by week, deliver an excellent product, and highlight the athletes. If we do that, positive things will follow,” said Bazzell. “We’ve positioned ourselves well for immediate success, but it’s a marathon, not a sprint. We’re not rushing into it expecting millions of viewers right away. It would be fantastic, but we’re in this for the long haul.

“We have the time necessary to build this and carry the momentum forward.”

Unrivaled is expected to find its rhythm between the Super Bowl and March Madness, concluding on St. Patrick’s Day. However, it will consistently compete against NBA, NHL, college basketball, and soccer matches throughout its short season.

Friday marked a promising start for Unrivaled, aligning with its ambitions as an emerging league.

Stewart recorded the first points and the first assist in league history, while Jewell Loyd scored 30 points for the Mist. Collier achieved the first double-double in the league during the opening game, whereas Reese secured a routine double-double in the second matchup.

Merchandise such as Unrivaled team shirts and caps sold quickly, thanks to the fervor of the fans.

DJ Heat, a DJ from Washington, D.C., kept the atmosphere lively with energetic instrumental beats during the games.

Diggins-Smith’s game-winning shot garnered over 350,000 views on X and Instagram.

“We’re like Christopher Columbus arriving on American shores thinking it’s India. At least we have a better compass this time,” remarked Micky Lawler, Unrivaled’s commissioner and former WTA president. “Our game offers a distinct look and feel, yet it remains crucial.”

The vibe at the league’s accommodation in nearby Doral — where participants reside — may be a bit tense following a heated opening day. However, players indicated they would adapt following the competitive intensity.

“I don’t like it. I thought I would be fine. I’m not,” said Gray after her team’s loss. “We’ll see how it goes. Being a competitor, it’s tough. I’ll probably just put my headphones in.”