History was written in Philadelphia on Friday as the Unrivaled 3×3 basketball league, during its inaugural tour event, shattered the all-time professional women’s basketball attendance record for a regular-season game. A monumental assembly of 21,490 spectators converged upon the Xfinity Mobile Arena, creating an atmosphere of unprecedented support for the sport.
The electric environment within the venue was palpable, a sentiment echoed by Napheesa Collier, co-founder of the league. Reflecting on the monumental turnout, Collier described the experience as “unbelievable,” emphasizing the tangible affection from the crowd. “It’s just a testament to what we’re building here, how much people believe in it,” she remarked, underscoring the significance of the fan-driven momentum.
A New Benchmark for the Sport
This landmark attendance figure, officially recorded on Friday, establishes a new high-water mark for viewership in professional women’s basketball outside of playoff or special event contexts. The achievement signifies a pivotal moment, demonstrating a surging public appetite for the product and vision that Unrivaled represents.
The successful debut event not only highlights the league’s immediate impact but also serves as a powerful indicator of its potential trajectory. By filling a major arena to capacity for its very first tour stop, Unrivaled has convincingly validated its concept, showcasing the viability and drawing power of elite 3×3 women’s basketball on a grand stage.