The Unrivaled Basketball League the innovative 3-on-3 women’s professional league co-founded by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, has announced a temporary pause on all game activities following a high-profile statement by Stewart regarding a controversial **ICE** (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) incident.
The decision comes after Stewart, a two-time WNBA MVP and Unrivaled co-founder, held up a sign reading **”Abolish ICE”** during player introductions before her game with the Mist team on Sunday in a Miami-area arena. The protest directly referenced a recent fatal shooting involving federal immigration officers in Minneapolis, where a 37-year-old man, Alex Pretti, was killed by Border Patrol agents on Saturday. The incident has sparked widespread outrage over immigration enforcement tactics and use of force.
Stewart elaborated post-game, stating she was “disgusted” by the events and wanted to promote policies that “uplift families and communities instead of spewing fear and hate.” She emphasized shifting from hate-fueled actions to love and support for affected communities. Her visible activism drew significant media attention, with coverage from ESPN, CBS Sports, Fox News, and others highlighting the moment as part of broader athlete advocacy in sports.
League organizers confirmed the pause in a brief statement, citing the need to “reflect on player safety, mental well-being, and the broader implications of recent events.” While no specific timeline for resumption was provided, sources indicate games could be delayed for several days to allow dialogue among players, staff, and stakeholders. Unrivaled, which launched to provide elite women’s basketball opportunities outside the WNBA offseason, prides itself on player empowerment—including platforms for social issues.
The move has divided opinions: supporters praise Stewart’s courage in using her platform for justice, while critics argue it politicizes the fledgling league. As Unrivaled navigates its inaugural season, this development underscores the intersection of sports, activism, and current events.
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