Napheesa Collier Donates $100,000 to Lunar Owls Staff After Tournament Win

MIAMI, Fla. — Napheesa Collier, co-founder of the Unrivaled 3-on-3 basketball league and star player for the Lunar Owls, recently announced a generous donation of $100,000 to her training and performance staff following her victory in the inaugural Unrivaled 1-on-1 Tournament.

Collier, who clinched the tournament title on February 14 by defeating Aaliyah Edwards, made the decision to share half of her $200,000 cash prize as a gesture of appreciation for the hard work of her team’s coaches and support personnel. Sources close to Collier revealed her commitment to acknowledging the contributions of those behind the scenes, referring to them as the ‘best in the world.’

The Unrivaled league, which Collier co-founded alongside fellow WNBA star Breanna Stewart in January, aims to provide professional basketball opportunities for players during the offseason. This league not only offers competitive play but also boasts the highest average salary among women’s sports leagues, alongside state-of-the-art training facilities located in Miami.

In an interview, Collier remarked, ‘My entire WNBA salary is what I just got in 30 minutes of playing one-on-one, which is insane to even say.’ This sentiment reflects the league’s goal of elevating player salaries and resources available to athletes in women’s basketball.

In recognition of her achievement, finalist Aaliyah Edwards received $50,000, while all of Collier’s teammates from the Lunar Owls received $10,000 each. These financial incentives signal a shift in the financial landscape of women’s basketball, which many believe will influence ongoing collective bargaining negotiations within the WNBA.

As Collier navigated her tournament experience, she expressed gratitude for the support she receives from her team, stating, ‘It’s the least I could do to give back to those who work so hard for us.’ Her philanthropic act has garnered significant attention, further solidifying her role as a leader both on and off the court.

Throughout the tournament and the unfolding season, Collier has not only made headlines with her accomplishments but also demonstrated a commitment to the league’s foundational mission of honoring and nurturing women’s basketball talent. Her performance has been exceptional; she leads the league with an average of 27.8 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game.

The Lunar Owls currently boast an 8-1 record, reflecting the impact of Collier’s match-winning skills and team leadership. As the inaugural season of Unrivaled progresses, its influence on the women’s basketball landscape continues to grow, making waves within the industry and igniting conversations about its potential for sustaining players financially during the offseason.