© Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
PHOENIX — Unrivaled is nearly ready to begin its second season next year and three Phoenix Mercury players have been drafted to their respective teams.
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Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) and forward Alyssa Thomas (25) cheer on their teammates in the final minutes of their 80-63 win against the New York Liberty at PHX Arena, Aug. 30, 2025, in Phoenix. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Unrivaled is an emerging 3-on-3 league that launched its first season earlier this year. The league has expanded to eight teams this season, and most games will be played in Miami, with some in Philadelphia and other cities.
The Mercury’s Satou Sabally, Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper will compete in the league, but will be rivals instead of the “Big Three” Phoenix fans have come to know them as.
Sep 21, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) dribbles the ball against the Minnesota Lynx in the second half during game one of the second round for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Sabally will play for Phantom, Thomas for Laces and Copper for Rose. The trio’s continued involvement in Unrivaled reflects what the league is trying to achieve: an opportunity for players to stay home and play in the offseason, rather than venturing overseas.
While not as intense as the regular WNBA season, Unrivaled also allows players to continue honing their craft in a less stressful environment.
Jun 27, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Satou Sabally (0) passes the ball against the New York Liberty during the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
For Mercury fans, it means more chances to watch their favorite players compete after the WNBA season ends and to see different skill sets in a new basketball setting. The league isn’t only tailored to women’s basketball fans.
Basketball fans can continue to watch the women’s game evolve as it reshapes how star players train in the offseason, compete and build their brands with an extra outlet.
Jul 14, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) controls the ball against the Golden State Valkyries during the third quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
Phoenix’s “Big Three” won’t share the same colors in Unrivaled, but the league gives basketball fans another chance to see these WNBA stars display their skills beyond the regular season.
2026 Unrivaled rosters: pic.twitter.com/R30vhbKAV1
— Underdog WNBA (@UnderdogWNBA) November 6, 2025
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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