Athletes Unlimited Offers WNBA Players a Domestic Home for the Offseason

Athletes Unlimited is back for its second season. This player-centric competition kicks off on Feb.23 and will run for five weeks through March 25. The league, for many, comes at just the right time, allowing the WNBA to promote athletes in the offseason while prepping players for preseason, which starts at the end of April.

AU provides a domestic off-season option to lessen the chances of players pursuing opportunities abroad. Athletes often play abroad in the offseason to supplement their WBNA salaries. However, Athletes Unlimited is a great alternative for those who do not want to go overseas. Players stay closer to their W markets and can introduce themselves to a distinct fan base.

Also, due to reporting rules, some players abroad would be forced to miss the end of their seasons. Players with more than two years of experience who do not report to their teams by May 1 or in time for training camp (whichever is later) will be fined. Those who miss the start of the regular season will be suspended for the year. In 2024, players who fail to join their teams by the start of training camp will face a season-long suspension.

The AU format is a unique design. Players will compete for points—which can be accumulated through individual stats, wins, and MVP honors. Those with the largest tallies at the end of each week will serve as captains, with the top four points scorers selecting their teams for the upcoming games. Only one player will be crowned AU champion, with

the athlete atop the leaderboard at the end of the five weeks crowned the winner. The temporary setup adds an exciting dynamic to the league, as fans get to watch some of their favorite players swap squads each week.

“With a number of WNBA players set to star in AU’s upcoming season, and with an additional group of talented, young players on AU rosters looking to make their mark, WNBA League Pass provides a terrific platform to further showcase these players and women’s basketball and a great lead-up to the upcoming 2023 WNBA season,” said WNBA chief growth officer Colie Edison.