Unrivaled Basketball is on the verge of making history. Although the much-anticipated inaugural season doesn't kick off until January, the Club Selection process was unveiled on Wednesday, November 20th. This unique selection process is not your typical draft; it's a carefully orchestrated event that aims to create the most balanced teams. As per the league's guidelines, 34 out of the 36 players were grouped into pods based on their positions, and the six head coaches collaborated to form these teams. The coaches had to wait until after the selection process to discover which team they would be leading. Two players remain unannounced and are listed as "Wildcard" for now. Rosters will be updated once these final two players are revealed. If you missed the announcement, The Sporting News has you covered with comprehensive Club Selection results, team-by-team picks, and full rosters for the inaugural season of Unrivaled Basketball.

Discover the Unrivaled Wildcards

The Lunar Owls Basketball Club and the Phantom Basketball Club have completed the Club Selection with five players each on their rosters. Both teams are in need of one more player to complete their squads, and that one spot is currently marked as "Wildcard." Luke Cooper, the President of Basketball Operations at Unrivaled, shed light on the Wildcard spots during the selection process. He stated, "I will speak on Pod D and the wildcard. This isn't a content play that we're going to pull out on Dec. 15 and be like, 'Guess what Laces? You guys get XYZ player,' right? We're gonna try to fill those spots with the best players that we can. Basically, it's going to lead to two teams having the ability to go sign someone. So they still have a chance to be really really good players but those players are not signed yet and can go either way. Someone's gotta start recruiting, basically."

How the Unrivaled Club Selection Works

Players are organized into pods based on their positions. All Unrivaled players are grouped into six pods, each containing a diverse range of players. This ensures that talent is evenly distributed and that each club has a well-rounded roster. The six head coaches then collaborate to select one player from each pod for their respective clubs. They focus on creating competitively balanced teams while keeping an eye on exciting player combinations that fans are eager to see in action. The twist is that none of the coaches will know which club they will be coaching until after all six rosters are finalized. This ensures fairness and keeps everyone on their toes.

Imagine the excitement as the Club Selection process unfolds. It's a moment of anticipation and strategy as the coaches make their selections. Each pod holds a treasure trove of talent, and the coaches must carefully consider which players will fit best with their teams. The collaborative nature of the process adds an extra layer of complexity, as the coaches work together to create a league that is both balanced and exciting. And with the mystery of not knowing which club they will lead until the end, it keeps everyone on their toes and adds an element of surprise to the entire process.

As the players are grouped into pods, it's like assembling a puzzle. Each piece represents a player with their unique skills and abilities. The coaches must piece together these players to form a team that can compete at the highest level. It's a delicate balance between offense and defense, between individual talent and team chemistry. And with the added element of the Wildcard spots, there is always the possibility of a last-minute surprise that could change the course of the season.

The Star-Studded Participants

Unrivaled includes seven former No. 1 overall WNBA Draft picks, such as Breanna Stewart, Aliyah Boston, Brittney Griner, Kelsey Plum, and Jackie Young. Here is the list of the 34 confirmed participants for the inaugural season:

Shakira Austin, a formidable force at the F/C position, hails from the Washington Mystics. Aliyah Boston, a rising star at the F/C position, plays for the Indiana Fever. Rae Burrell, a talented G/F, is a part of the Los Angeles Sparks. Jordin Canada, a dynamic G, is with the Atlanta Dream. DiJonai Carrington, a versatile G/F, is from the Connecticut Sun. Natasha Cloud, a skilled G, is with the Phoenix Mercury. Napheesa Collier, a powerful F, is a member of the Minnesota Lynx. Kahleah Copper, a dynamic G/F, is with the Phoenix Mercury. Skylar Diggins-Smith, a renowned G, is from the Seattle Storm. Stefanie Dolson, a reliable C, is with the Washington Mystics. Aaliyah Edwards, a promising F, is from the Washington Mystics. Allisha Gray, a talented G, is with the Atlanta Dream. Chelsea Gray, a skilled G, is with the Las Vegas Aces. Brittney Griner, a dominant C, is from the Phoenix Mercury. Dearica Hamby, a capable F, is with the Los Angeles Sparks. Tiffany Hayes, a skilled F, is with the Las Vegas Aces. Rhyne Howard, a dynamic G, is with the Atlanta Dream. Lexie Hull, a promising G, is with the Indiana Fever. Rickea Jackson, a powerful F, is from the Los Angeles Sparks. Jewell Loyd, a skilled G, is with the Seattle Storm. Marina Mabrey, a talented G, is from the Connecticut Sun. Kate Martin, a skilled G, is with the Las Vegas Aces. Kayla McBride, a dynamic G, is with the Minnesota Lynx. Arike Ogunbowale, a talented G, is with the Dallas Wings. Kelsey Plum, a renowned G, is with the Las Vegas Aces. Angel Reese, a promising F, is with the Chicago Sky. Satou Sabally, a powerful F, is with the Dallas Wings. Azurá Stevens, a versatile F/C, is with the Los Angeles Sparks. Breanna Stewart, a dominant F, is with the New York Liberty. Brittney Sykes, a skilled G, is with the Washington Mystics. Alyssa Thomas, a capable F, is with the Connecticut Sun. Courtney Vandersloot, a skilled G, is with the New York Liberty. Courtney Williams, a dynamic G, is with the Minnesota Lynx. Jackie Young, a talented G, is with the Las Vegas Aces.

The inclusion of these former No. 1 overall picks adds a level of star power to the league. These players have proven themselves on the WNBA stage and are now coming together to compete in Unrivaled. Their presence will undoubtedly draw the attention of fans and media alike, making the inaugural season one to remember. Each of these players brings a unique set of skills and experiences to the table, and they will all play a crucial role in shaping the future of Unrivaled Basketball.