The transition from college to the WNBA can be a shock for some players.
Schools like LSU provide their stars with state-of-the-art facilities and charter jets.
However, despite the increasing popularity of women's football, which has seen a rise in ratings, professional teams do not enjoy the same level of support.
Salaries are another hot topic with the No. 1 choice Caitlin Clark earn just over $76,000 for their Rookie of the Year campaign.
Many players choose to play abroad in the off-season, but the three-on-three game Unrivaled The league has tried to offer an alternative.
Players will be richly rewarded financially and the tournament, which begins on Friday, will be held exclusively in Miami and will feature world-class facilities.
After raising $35 million in funding, the bosses were spared No cost to create a stunning venue where all 850 fans will sit on the sidelines.
Angel Reesewho joined the Chicago Heaven in 2024, after becoming a social media sensation during her time at LSU, she spoke about the facilities gap between the WNBA and unrivaled.
“I would stay here forever,” she said in her first Unrivaled media release. “Everything I need is here – from massages to cold tubs to resources to workouts to everything.”
The nine-week league, founded by Olympians Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, features six teams of six players each, four of which advance to the playoffs.
While in Florida, players will have access to a hair and makeup room, a daycare center and beauticians, as well as the more typical amenities.
“We will offer day care to the mothers when they arrive,” said league president Alex Bazzell said SB Nation. “It’s everything athletes need under one roof when it comes to anything and everything – on the field or off the field.”
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WNBA stars raised safety concerns after players were harassed during a promotional trip.
The league is listening and has announced a charter flight program ahead of the 2024 season.
“I am very pleased to see a significant policy change that will enable and facilitate charter travel for all teams throughout the 2024 season and into the future,” said Seattle Storm forward and WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike.
“On behalf of the players, I express my appreciation and support for a bold move by the commissioner and team governors, which in turn shows that they understand and value the health and safety of players. It's time for a change. It’s time to focus on women.”
If Unrivaled takes off — and there's no sign of the TNT Sports-backed product going anywhere after its debut — there will be more pressure on WNBA executives to get the most out of their talent.
Reese's Rose basketball team is one of four teams competing against Vinyl BC on opening night.
“This is the attention we deserve – being on TNT every night and having access to our games, this is something we've deserved for a long time,” she added.
The first players have received all shares, giving them an incentive to do their best in the new format.
“In five years, this thing will be bigger than ever,” Reese explained.
Perhaps the only stumbling block for Unrivaled so far don't be tempted Clark with a six-figure offer.
How much of an impact their absence will have on attendance remains to be seen, but excitement is high ahead of Friday's doubleheader, which also features the Mist and Lunar Owls in action.
