Napheesa Collier: Legacy And Vision For The Future Of Women’s Basketball

In just six remarkable seasons with the WNBA, 2024 Defensive Player of the Year Napheesa Collier has etched her name among the sport’s elite. Her legacy, however, transcends her exceptional talent on the court—she’s a leader, a driving force for change, and a passionate advocate for advancing women’s basketball. As Vice President of the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) and co-founder of Unrivaled, the 3-on-3 basketball league, Collier is working to shape the future of women’s basketball. Her vision is clear: to create and support a sustainable, player-owned ecosystem that prioritizes development, opportunity, and pay. For years, top WNBA players have headed overseas during the off-season to earn supplemental income and continue their development. However, this practice often comes at the cost of family time and personal well-being. Collier and Stewart saw an opportunity to address these challenges while also capitalizing on the growing momentum of women’s sports. Together, they founded Unrivaled, a professional league designed to offer elite players competitive opportunities at home, with an emphasis on player development, brand building, and financial stability. “Both of us have been in this space for so long,” Collier shares. “You see what works, what doesn’t, and where the gaps are. We wanted to create a space where you didn’t have to go overseas and take time away from your family or miss holidays. You could still make money because that’s a big reason players go overseas. Another big reason is skill development—you still need to get better at your craft, and being able to play during the off-season is really important.” With Unrivaled, Collier and Stewart aim to create an ecosystem where players thrive, both financially and professionally. “We’re super proud of our salary structure—it’s the highest average team salary in women’s sports,” Collier notes. “We’re also offering equity to everyone in the league, which is about building generational wealth. What we’re doing is revolutionary, and it’s about changing what women’s sports can look like.” As a leader of the league, Collier is determined to foster a culture that prioritizes athlete growth, financial prosperity, and fan engagement. “One of our main goals is creating wealth for our athletes through both salary and equity,” she explains. “We (the players) make most of our money off the court through brand-building, so that’s a huge focus for us. We’re really content-heavy—everything is going to be captured, helping athletes grow their brands and create relationships with sponsors.” Collier also emphasizes the importance of player development. “All of our head coaches have extensive player development backgrounds. We want the players to leave better than they came in. We’re not just growing the game; we’re growing the athletes while offering all these other benefits.” Collier’s influence reaches beyond basketball. A staunch advocate for sustainability and social justice, she has partnered with organizations like EcoAthletes and Opill to champion causes she’s passionate about, including environmental protection and reproductive rights. “Being an athlete gives you a bigger platform,” she says. “I think it’s your responsibility to use it in a positive way. I try to advocate for the things I think are important, and socially, those are two big ones for me. I do what I can to highlight them, bring awareness, and educate others.” While women’s sports are gaining unprecedented attention—evidenced by record-breaking viewership, increased investments, and expansion bids—significant gaps in pay and resources remain. Collier points to revenue sharing as a critical area for improvement. “Our collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) need to evolve,” she says. “In the WNBA, we don’t currently receive revenue shares. On the men’s side (NBA), players get a big cut of revenue, which allows their salaries to be so high. Transparency in where the money goes and ensuring more of it reaches the athletes is crucial.” Looking ahead, Collier is optimistic about the trajectory of women’s sports, particularly basketball. “Women’s sports are breaking records in viewership—it’s insane. There’s a clear market, and you’re going to see that reflected in sponsorship dollars, TV deals, and player salaries. I think across all sports, salaries are going to rise significantly in the next five to ten years.” For Collier, the ultimate goal is to leave the game better for the next generation. “I may not see million-dollar contracts in my basketball lifetime,” she acknowledges, “but I want the players coming after me to have that opportunity. The people before us left the game better than they found it, and it’s our responsibility to do the same for those who come after us.” As anticipation surrounding Unrivaled’s first season continues, Collier is eager to deliver a top-tier experience for both players and fans. “Basketball-wise, it’s going to be amazing,” she says. “You’re going to have the best talent on the court, so the competition will feel like playoffs all the time. From the fan side, we hope they enjoy the games and all the content we’re putting out—behind-the-scenes looks at the players, everything we’ve built.” Two years in the making, Unrivaled is the product of hard work, vision, and a shared commitment to player excellence. “It’s been a lot of effort to get here, and we want to ensure that everyone—players, fans, and stakeholders—has an incredible experience.” At just 28 years old, Collier has already achieved more than many athletes do in a lifetime. As a player, social impact leader, and league founder, she embodies what it means to be a transformative force in women’s sports. When asked what motivates her to take on so many roles, her answer is simple yet profound: “What motivates me is a brighter tomorrow for everybody. You want the future to be better than where it is now. That’s why I’m involved with the WNBA Players Association and Unrivaled—I want my voice to be heard. I want to create a better future for those who come after me.” For Napheesa Collier, women’s basketball is more than a game. It’s a platform for change, a means of empowerment, and a legacy in the making. With Unrivaled poised to bring more excitement and visibility for women’s basketball, Collier’s impact is only just beginning.