Unrivaled’s New Challenge: The 1-on-1 Tournament
Less than a month into its debut season, Unrivaled, the groundbreaking 3-on-3 women’s basketball league, is already shaking things up by introducing a new format of competition: a 1-on-1 tournament. This unique event, set to unfold over three intense days, will see some of the league’s most prominent stars, including founders Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, taking the court as individual competitors. With a grand prize of $200,000 on the line, the tournament promises to be a thrilling spectacle of skill and determination. Fans have had a say in the tournament’s structure, voting on the bracket seedings to ensure compelling matchups and a balanced competition. Prepare yourself for a show you won’t want to miss, as The Sporting News provides all the details you need to follow this exciting new tournament.
The Tournament Bracket: A Star-Studded Lineup
Fans have had their say, and the Unrivaled 1-on-1 tournament bracket is now set. Voting for player seedings took place from January 30 to February 2, and the results have been eagerly awaited. The bracket features four pods, each with eight players seeded 1 through 8. Notably, the top two seeds in Pods A and D earned first-round byes. However, several players have had to withdraw due to injuries, leading to additional byes in the opening round. The tournament is packed with high-profile matchups, including Jewell Loyd, Chelsea Gray, Alyssa Thomas, and many more. Each pod promises its own set of intense and unpredictable games, making the tournament a must-watch event.
First Round Matches: The Heat Is On
The first round of the Unrivaled 1-on-1 tournament sets the stage for what’s to come. In Pod A, top seed Jewell Loyd has a first-round bye, while Chelsea Gray faces off against Shakira Austin, and Alyssa Thomas takes on Azurá Stevens. Rae Burrell and Natasha Cloud will also compete. Pod B sees Napheesa Collier, the league’s cofounder, going head-to-head with Katie Lou Samuelson. Rhyne Howard will face Lexie Hull, Tiffany Hayes will play Courtney Williams, and Jackie Young will challenge Rickea Jackson. Pod C features Breanna Stewart, another cofounder, against Aaliyah Edwards, Kahleah Copper against Aliyah Boston, Allisha Gray against Jordin Canada, and Marina Mabrey against Kate Martin. Finally, Pod D sees Arike Ogunbowale with a bye, Kayla McBride against DiJonai Carrington, Satou Sabally against Brittney Sykes, and Skylar Diggins-Smith against Dearica Hamby. These matches will determine who advances to the second round, setting the stage for even more intense competition.
Second Round and Quarterfinals: Narrowing the Field
The second round and quarterfinals of the Unrivaled 1-on-1 tournament will see the competition heating up as the field narrows. In Pod A, Jewell Loyd will face Rae Burrell, while Azurá Stevens and Shakira Austin will battle it out. Pod B will see Napheesa Collier taking on Rickea Jackson, and Rhyne Howard playing Courtney Williams. Pod C features Kahleah Copper against Allisha Gray, while Aaliyah Edwards has a bye. In Pod D, Arike Ogunbowale will go up against Skylar Diggins-Smith, and Satou Sabally will face DiJonai Carrington. The quarterfinals will further reduce the field, with the winners from each pod advancing to the semifinals. These rounds promise to be crucial in determining the final four players who will vie for the grand prize.
Semifinals and Final: The Road to Glory
The semifinals and final of the Unrivaled 1-on-1 tournament will be the ultimate test of skill and resilience. Napheesa Collier will face Azurá Stevens, and Arike Ogunbowale will take on Aaliyah Edwards. These matches will determine who advances to the final, where the competition will be a best-of-three series. The final games are played to 11 points, just like the earlier rounds, but the stakes are even higher. The winner will not only claim the $200,000 grand prize but will also earn a place in Unrivaled history as the inaugural 1-on-1 tournament champion. The semifinals and final will air on TNT and truTV, ensuring that fans can witness every moment of this historic event.
How to Watch: Your Guide to the Action
The Unrivaled 1-on-1 tournament will be broadcast live on TNT and truTV, depending on the day of competition. Cord-cutters and streaming enthusiasts can catch all the action on Sling, which offers a wide range of sports channels, including ESPN, TBS, TNT, NFL Network, and FS1. The full TV schedule is as follows: the first round will air on Monday, February 10, at 7 p.m. ET on TNT and truTV, as well as on Sling. The second round and quarterfinals will be on Tuesday, February 11, at 7 p.m. ET on truTV and Sling. The semifinals and final will be on Friday, February 14, at 7:30 p.m. ET on TNT, truTV, and Sling. Make sure to tune in for this exciting new format and watch as the best of the best compete for glory and the grand prize.
