The Evolution of Maternity Support in WNBA: A Game-Changer Named Unrivaled
MEDLEY, FLORIDA — Professional sports have long required exceptional dedication, but for many women athletes, balancing this with motherhood has been a formidable challenge. Female athletes in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) have had to juggle preparation and competition, alongside pregnancy, maternity leave, and childcare.
The Struggle for Balance
For WNBA players who choose to have children while pursuing their careers, the demands are immense. They must miss time for pregnancy and maternity leave and navigate the complexities of finding reliable and affordable childcare post-delivery.
This challenge has affected both players and coaches, leading to a growing awareness of the need for support systems. Since the 2020 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), there have been gradual improvements in player benefits. The agreement guarantees full salary payments during maternity leave and offers an annual childcare stipend of $5,000 to all parents.
Challenges Remain
Nevertheless, despite these advancements, obstacles persist. A notable case involves Los Angeles Sparks star Dearica Hamby, who alleges she was traded because of her pregnancy. Hamby filed a federal lawsuit against the Las Vegas Aces in August 2023, detailing instances of intimidation, discrimination, and retaliation.
Similarly, Skylar Diggins-Smith, a star for the Phoenix Mercury, faced difficulties upon returning from maternity leave in 2023. She reported a lack of access to the team’s facilities, including massage therapists, chiropractors, chefs, and strength and conditioning resources. Consequently, Diggins-Smith left the Mercury and signed with the Seattle Storm.
A New Era in Sports
The ongoing challenges highlighted by Hamby and Diggins-Smith underscore the need for more comprehensive support. This realization has led to the creation of Unrivaled, a groundbreaking player-owned and -founded 3-on-3 basketball league. Launched in Miami, this league brings together over 36 of the WNBA’s top stars, offering an unprecedented level of support to its players, particularly those with families.
Unrivaled not only provides competitive salaries, averaging over $220,000 per player, but also promotes a lifestyle that includes equity and revenue-sharing. The league boasts a state-of-the-art facility, including amenities like saunas, access to a sports aesthetician, and multiple basketball courts. Additionally, games are broadcast on TNT, enhancing the league’s visibility.
Unrivaled’s Commitment to Childcare
Founded by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, Unrivaled prioritizes the comfort and welfare of its players, especially those who are parents. Collier and Stewart emphasized from the inception of the league that childcare would be a cornerstone of the organization’s services.
“Stewie and I both being moms — that was a big thing,” Collier told SB Nation in an exclusive interview last month. “From the beginning, we knew we had to have childcare.”
Alex Bazzell, Unrivaled’s president and husband of Collier, expressed his commitment to providing childcare as a core service.
“We’re going to provide daycare servicing for the mothers on arrival,” Bazzell stated. “It’s everything the athletes need under one roof—on-court or off-court for them.”
Facilitating Family-Friendly Basketball
Seven out of Unrivaled’s 36 players are mothers, and the league’s approach ensures that their childcare needs are met with the highest standards.
Players like Skylar Diggins-Smith, Dearica Hamby, and Napheesa Collier can rely on the professional childcare services offered at the Wayfair Arena. The facility includes two separate rooms: one for babies and another for toddlers and young children. The childcare center is available not just for games but for practices, pre-game preparations, and other obligations.
To ensure the highest quality of care, Collier and Stewart vetted and screened nannies through The Nanny League, ensuring a trustworthy and reliable team.
“We have kids at different ages, so we kind of knew what the kids’ needs were—what we’re gonna need in these rooms, what the childcare’s gonna need to look like,” Collier explained. “We made sure that was a priority for us. And, we vetted heavily for The Nanny League that we hired.”
Katie Lou Samuelson’s Perspective
Indiana Fever forward Katie Lou Samuelson, who recently gave birth to her daughter, has experienced firsthand the benefits of Unrivaled’s daycare services.
“I bring her to the game, and then they watch her the whole entire time— for me to warm up, do what I need to do, and then I’m able to go home,” Samuelson shared. “It’s definitely been a huge help.”
Samuelson’s gratitude is echoed by other players, who appreciate the league’s commitment to providing reliable and accessible childcare.
An Intentional Approach
The intentional approach taken by Unrivaled leadership sets a new standard for women’s professional sports. By ensuring that childcare is both available and high-quality, Unrivaled acknowledges the unique challenges faced by players who wish to pursue their careers while balancing motherhood.
“Finding childcare—reliable, affordable, consistent childcare—is the hardest thing,” Collier emphasized. “I think any parent would say that.”
The Future is Bright
As the first of its kind, Unrivaled not only offers an excellent platform for top-tier players but also sets an inspiring example for other leagues. By prioritizing the holistic needs of its players, including their families, Unrivaled is paving the way for a more inclusive future in professional sports.
“I am grateful for the way that Unrivaled has had this taken care of from the start,” Samuelson concluded, underscoring the league’s commitment to its players and their families.