New (Experimental) Athletes Unlimited basketball "league" starting today in Las Vegas

[eebmg]

Details in the Athletic Article

‘This is the next big thing for us’: Can new Athletes Unlimited basketball league be a home for players?

With limited WNBA rosters and no developmental league, many players find themselves after without a place to play. Is AU the answer?

theathletic.com

Details at website

Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball

Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball showcases 40 top women’s players, expanding opportunities and giving WNBA stars a U.S. year-round league.

auprosports.com

 

[Beemer]

It's an interesting concept I'll say that much for it. I'm not sure how much impact they'll have with just a 5 week season though.

 

[eebmg]

I thought I would recognize more names

 

[Beemer]

I thought I would recognize more names

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Actually, I'm surprised at how many names I do recognize!

 

[triaddukefan]

Actually, I'm surprised at how many names I do recognize!

I recognize a majority of the names. The most surprising name to me is Marjorie Butler. I remember her playing for UGA with her eyes on Med School. I figure she is probably close to finishing up her MD by now.

 

[eebmg]

For night owls, 2 games today, Game 1 on a youtube link and game 2 on CBSSN (11PM)

 

[cancontent]

While the season is short, I like the idea. The BIG3 league continues to grow and offers former NBA players a chance to still compete. Hoping this gets similar traction as the professional opportunities in North America for women don't exist outside of the WNBA.

Here the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) started a couple years ago. Still in it's infancy, but it's provided players opportunities in the NBA this season as some have gotten 10-day NBA contracts. Some have been re-signed to another 10-day or for the balance of the season. I believe one of the teams is part of an international club team competition and they've fared well so far. One of the teams even has a female head coach.

Hopefully players can turn their play into other professional opportunities. Too many good players out there.

 

[eebmg]

While the season is short, I like the idea. The BIG3 league continues to grow and offers former NBA players a chance to still compete. Hoping this gets similar traction as the professional opportunities in North America for women don't exist outside of the WNBA.

Here the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) started a couple years ago. Still in it's infancy, but it's provided players opportunities in the NBA this season as some have gotten 10-day NBA contracts. Some have been re-signed to another 10-day or for the balance of the season. I believe one of the teams is part of an international club team competition and they've fared well so far. One of the teams even has a female head coach.

Hopefully players can turn their play into other professional opportunities. Too many good players out there.

The biggest issue for me is that they are saying after every week, they will change the rosters with a new "draft". So can the quality of the game be any good if you don't keep the same roster??

 

[cancontent]

The biggest issue for me is that they are saying after every week, they will change the rosters with a new "draft". So can the quality of the game be any good if you don't keep the same roster??

Good question and point at the same time. I'm sure some people thought the same with Big 3 and the 4 point shot idea. I say let's see how it plays out because it could work.

If I remember correctly, the new captains are selected based on points. This adds a twist as you could end up with the same captains at the end or a mixture of new/returning captains. It makes retaining the best team harder while another team could sneak up on them the following week. I think it helps to add some drama to keep person curious and interested.

I'm being optimistic on the quality level. The players listed can all compete and I think the games will be competitive.