Tennis star Coco Gauff teams up with Unrivaled to revolutionise women’s basketball
Tennis superstar Coco Gauff has made a major foray into the world of women’s basketball by investing in Unrivaled.
Taking to social media to announce her involvement in the upcoming project, Gauff proclaimed a desire to uplift women’s sport and joked that she was switching codes in order to fulfil her father’s dream.
The news is the latest development in a burgeoning career for the Atlanta native, who was recently named the highest-paid female athlete in the world for 2024.
Sports News Blitz writer Shameeka Voyiya reports on the story.
New enterprise for women’s basketball
Gauff has become the latest investor in Unrivaled, an innovative three-on-three women’s basketball league set to revolutionise the women’s game.
The highly anticipated tournament was founded by US Olympians Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart in order to provide WNBA players with domestic opportunities in the off season.
In contrast to standard basketball, Unrivaled features smaller courts and games consisting of four seven-minute quarters.
Unrivaled had already secured $28 million in funding from other high-profile athletes, including Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, 23-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps, and NBA legend Carmelo Anthony.
With top WNBA players such as Sabrina Ionescu, Alyssa Thomas, Chelsea Gray, Angel Reese, Napheesa Collier, and Breanna Stewart signed up, Unrivaled’s inaugural season is scheduled to commence on 17 January.
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Uplifting women’s sport
The news of Gauff’s involvement in the league was announced on Monday.
“I'm switching sports! My dad always wanted me to follow in his footsteps and play basketball,” the tennis star posted on Instagram.
“Haha sorry dad but this is as close as it will get. In all seriousness, I’m incredibly grateful to get the opportunity to uplift women’s sports and I am super excited to join the @Unrivaledwbb family. I can’t wait to watch!!”
An official Unrivaled press release echoed Gauff's passion for basketball and her stated desire to champion women in sport.
“I’m thrilled to be joining Unrivaled as an investor,” Gauff was quoted as saying.
“Basketball is one of my favorite sports, and the chance to support a league that’s redefining the game is exciting.
“I look forward to being part of this movement and continuing to help elevate women’s sports to new heights.”
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