Paige Bueckers Goes No. 1 in Unrivaled Draft
The Unrivaled basketball league begins its new season on January 5, with several games scheduled to take place in Philadelphia. The 3-on-3 competition, traditionally held in Miami during winter, introduced two expansion teams this year: The Breeze and The Hive.
The First Overall Pick
Paige Bueckers was selected as the No. 1 overall draft pick by The Breeze, making her the top pick for the second time in 2025 after also being chosen first in the WNBA draft by Dallas in April.
“Bueckers joins The Breeze alongside Rickea Jackson, Dominique Malonga, Aari McDonald, Kate Martin, and Cameron Brink.”
The Hive’s No. 2 Selection
The Hive followed with the second overall pick, selecting Kelsey Mitchell. Their roster also includes Sonia Citron, Ezi Magbegor, Natisha Hiedeman, Saniya Rivers, and Monique Billings.
League Structure and Protected Players
Players were divided into six position-based groups — guards, wings, and forwards — across six drafting rounds. Each of the eight teams selected alternately from these pools.
Playoff teams from last season — The Rose, Lunar Owls, Vinyl, and Laces — were permitted to protect two players each from being drafted by expansion teams. Non-playoff teams, The Phantom and Mist, were allowed to protect one player apiece.
Returning Stars and Notable Rosters
The defending champion Rose team returns with Chelsea Gray, Kahleah Copper, Lexie Hull, Azura Stevens, Shakira Austin, and Sug Sutton. The Lunar Owls roster features co-founder Napheesa Collier, Skylar Diggins, Marina Mabrey, Aaliyah Edwards, Rebecca Allen, and Rachel Banham.
Summary
The new Unrivaled season introduces two expansion teams and top-tier talent, setting the stage for an exciting 3-on-3 competition with Paige Bueckers leading the draft headlines.
Author’s summary: Paige Bueckers headlines the Unrivaled season as the top pick for new team The Breeze, marking a strong start for the league’s expanding 3-on-3 format.