Tennis icon Serena Williams has joined a powerful investor group backing the women’s basketball league Unrivaled, contributing to a massive valuation jump to $340 million. The significant Series B funding round was led by Bessemer Venture Partners and includes participation from Williams’ Serena Ventures, Warner Bros. Discovery (WB), and Alex Morgan’s Trybe Ventures.
This new capital infusion marks a stunning increase from the league’s $95 million valuation just one year ago, underscoring the explosive growth and investor confidence in women’s sports. The funds are earmarked for major league enhancements, including facility upgrades, player development programs, and a comprehensive marketing push to build awareness ahead of its second season.
Unrivaled co-founder and president Alex Bazzell highlighted the strategic importance of adding Williams to their cap table, noting her status as an iconic athlete exemplifies the league’s mission. The league, which was founded in 2023, provides a premier 3-on-3 basketball platform for professional women’s players during the WNBA offseason, offering a domestic alternative to playing abroad for supplemental income.
Caty Rea, a Vice President at lead investor Bessemer Venture Partners, stated that the firm views Unrivaled as a blueprint for the next generation of sports leagues. She cited the league’s category-defining model, powerful tailwinds in women’s sports, and audacious founders as key reasons for the investment. This move reflects a broader trend of soaring popularity and financial valuations across women’s athletics.
