MEDLEY, Fla. – Skylar Diggins-Smith made history with the first game-winning shot in the Unrivaled league, sparking a wave of excitement as her teammates and coaches joyfully rushed from the bench to join the celebration on the court.

Unrivaled, a new 3-on-3 women’s basketball league founded by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, has introduced a compelling target score rule for the final quarter that could reshape game outcomes.

In tightly contested matches, like the season opener on Friday where Diggins-Smith hit two late 3-pointers to secure a win for the Lunar Owls against the Mist, thrilling finishes and jubilant postgame celebrations could become a regular occurrence.

“That’s the beauty of this game; you can stage a comeback at any moment,” remarked Diggins-Smith, a former Notre Dame standout and current WNBA player.

Collier added, “It’s incredibly entertaining. Every single game feels important and high-stakes since there’s a chance for a game-winner every time.”

This exciting conclusion was precisely what Unrivaled aimed for on its first broadcast night.

The league aspires to set new benchmarks in women’s sports, providing better salaries and equitable treatment for players. The gameplay is fast-paced, set on a 70-foot court. The first match nearly reached 100 field-goal attempts, and 89 shots were attempted in the second matchup. Teams compete to reach a target score in the fourth quarter, known as the Elam Ending, which is tailored to be 11 points more than the leading team’s score to ensure dramatic conclusions.

Prominent figures like Steve Nash and Alex Morgan were among the over 850 attendees packed into Wayfair Arena, repurposed from a production warehouse into a basketball venue just seven miles from Miami International Airport, creating an intimate yet intense atmosphere for both games.

In the Lunar Owls’ 84-80 victory, Collier tallied 27 points and 11 rebounds, while Stewart contributed six points and 14 rebounds for the Mist in the opener. Rhyne Howard led the Vinyl to a 79-73 win over Angel Reese and the Rose in the second game.

“The competitive energy is palpable in the gym. Everyone can feel it—from players to fans. There’s a true connection,” said Chelsea Gray, a star with the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces.

We’ll find out whether the viewership from opening night can maintain traction against a packed sports weekend, as Unrivaled will undoubtedly face competition from various major sports. The league has the challenge of keeping audiences engaged during its nine-week season.

On Saturday, Unrivaled’s second slate includes players like Sabrina Ionescu and Brittney Griner, coinciding with Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs kicking off their playoff journey in pursuit of a third consecutive Super Bowl title (4:30 p.m. ET). Meanwhile, the U.S. men’s soccer team will face Venezuela (3 p.m. ET) as they embark on their quest for the 2026 World Cup under new coach Mauricio Pochettino. The USMNT match will air on TNT, while Unrivaled is set for TruTv, with both vying for streaming audiences on Max.

Unrivaled won’t have games on Sundays, steering clear of the Super Bowl on February 9, but will compete with the college football national championship featuring Ohio State against Notre Dame on Monday night to wrap up its opening weekend.

Unrivaled president Alex Bazzell, who is married to Collier, has communicated with TNT and Warner Bros. Discovery about viewership goals for the league’s success. He believes that Unrivaled has already gained significant traction through its pre-launch social media and marketing efforts.

“We’re not aiming for WNBA-level viewership right away. Our main focus is continual improvement week by week and providing a top-notch product while showcasing the athletes. If we achieve that, positive outcomes will follow,” Bazzell explained. “We’re strategically positioning ourselves for immediate success, but we recognize it’s a marathon. We won’t rush to gain millions of viewers from the start; while ambitious, we believe in building this steadily.”

“We have ample time to cultivate this and create momentum.”

Unrivaled is likely to hit its stride between the Super Bowl and March Madness, concluding on St. Patrick’s Day. However, it will consistently face stiff competition from NBA, NHL, college basketball, and soccer games throughout its short season.

Friday marked a promising beginning for Unrivaled, setting the tone for the league’s aspirations.

Stewart recorded both the first points and the first assist in league history, while Jewell Loyd scored an impressive 30 points for the Mist. Collier achieved the first double-double in the league’s history during the opener, with Reese also pulling off a standard double-double in the second matchup.

Excited fans quickly snatched up Unrivaled merchandise such as team shirts and hats.

DJ Heat, a DJ from Washington, D.C., kept the atmosphere lively with upbeat instrumentals during the games.

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

“We’re like Christopher Columbus arriving in America, believing it’s India. At least we have a better sense of direction,” commented Unrivaled commissioner Micky Lawler, the former president of the WTA for nearly ten years. “Our game looks and feels unique, but it still holds significant importance.”

The environment in the league’s accommodation in nearby Doral—where players, coaches, and staff are residing—may be slightly tense following an intense opening day. However, the players state they will adjust post-competition heat.

“I’m not okay with it. I thought I would be fine, but it’s tough,” Gray mentioned after her team’s defeat. “We’ll see how it goes. As a competitor, it’s challenging. I might just keep my headphones on.”