Tennis sensation Coco Gauff has recently expanded her influence beyond the court by investing in Unrivaled, a pioneering 3-on-3 women’s basketball league co-founded by U.S. Olympians Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart. This league aims to provide WNBA players with domestic opportunities during the offseason, featuring a dynamic format with six teams competing on smaller courts in four seven-minute quarters. Notable players such as Angel Reese and Sabrina Ionescu are set to participate, with the inaugural season commencing on January 17 in Miami.
Gauff’s investment holds personal significance, as it resonates with her family’s athletic heritage. Her father, Corey Gauff, played college basketball at Georgia State University, and her mother, Candi Gauff, was a track and field athlete at Florida State University. Coco herself dabbled in basketball and track during her youth before dedicating herself to tennis.
Announcing her involvement with Unrivaled, Gauff humorously remarked on social media, “I’m switching sports! My dad always wanted me to follow in his footsteps and play basketball. Haha sorry dad but this is as close as it will get.” She further expressed her commitment to uplifting women’s sports and her excitement to join the Unrivaled family.
Gauff’s mother, Candi, also expressed her pride and support for her daughter’s latest endeavor, highlighting the family’s collective enthusiasm for Coco’s role in advancing women’s sports.
Unrivaled has attracted a diverse group of high-profile investors, including two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, Olympian Michael Phelps, and actor Ashton Kutcher. The league recently secured a $28 million Series A investment, with Gauff’s contribution bringing the total to $35 million. This substantial funding underscores the growing support for women’s sports and the league’s potential to make a significant impact.
Beyond her investment, Gauff continues to excel in her tennis career. She is set to compete in the Australian Open starting January 12, following a strong performance leading Team USA to victory at the United Cup, where she won all her singles matches without dropping a set.
Coco Gauff’s venture into women’s basketball through her investment in Unrivaled not only honors her father’s basketball aspirations but also reflects her dedication to promoting and elevating women’s sports. Her multifaceted involvement in athletics serves as an inspiration, demonstrating her commitment to making a positive impact both on and off the court.
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