In the world of women’s basketball, Angel Reese has quickly become one of the most talked-about players, thanks to her dominant performances with the LSU Tigers and her fearless personality both on and off the court. However, the emergence of the Unrivaled 3-on-3 League has stirred the pot in ways that Reese never quite anticipated—particularly in the way fans and media expected her to embrace it. The problem? Angel Reese never cared about the Unrivaled 3-on-3 League, and frankly, she’s made it clear that it wasn’t something that interested her.

While the Unrivaled League has garnered significant attention, especially with its high-profile names and big-money incentives, Reese has always been about more than just exposure or the next flashy league. She’s all about the competition, legacy, and what fits into her ultimate goal: to elevate women’s basketball to new heights, regardless of the platform.

The Unrivaled 3-on-3 League: A New Frontier in Women’s Basketball

The Unrivaled 3-on-3 League, launched with the goal of bringing the best female players into a unique and fast-paced format, was supposed to be the next big thing in women’s basketball. The league offered the allure of a highly competitive environment, with major money prizes, sponsorships, and plenty of media attention. It’s a format that allows players to showcase their skills in a different light than the traditional 5-on-5 games.

In theory, it was an opportunity for some of the biggest stars in women’s basketball to extend their reach and engage with a wider audience. The excitement was palpable, and many fans assumed that someone like Angel Reese, one of the most prominent names in college basketball, would be all-in on the league. However, Reese had other plans.

Why Angel Reese Never Bought into the 3-on-3 Hype

From the very beginning, Angel Reese wasn’t enthusiastic about the Unrivaled 3-on-3 League, and here’s why:

1. Focused on LSU and NCAA Legacy

Reese’s heart has always been tied to her LSU Tigers and the pursuit of a national championship. After a standout season in college basketball where she dominated in both scoring and rebounding, Reese’s sights were firmly set on winning at the highest level. The NCAA tournament, where teams compete for a national title, has always been the ultimate prize for college athletes. Angel Reese’s ambition is centered around continuing her journey in the NCAA, and she’s made it clear that the Unrivaled 3-on-3 League wasn’t a priority for her.

While the 3-on-3 format may seem like an exciting side hustle, Reese’s commitment to her team and collegiate career far outweighs any potential benefit she might gain from competing in a separate league that lacks the same prestige and recognition as NCAA basketball.

2. Different Kind of Competition

Let’s face it, Angel Reese thrives in the high-pressure environment of NCAA basketball. Her competitive nature shines brightest when playing in front of packed arenas, with national championships on the line. The 3-on-3 league simply doesn’t provide the same level of intensity and competition that she’s used to in the NCAA. While 3-on-3 basketball is certainly competitive, it doesn’t match the full-court, high-stakes nature of the games that Reese faces on a regular basis with LSU.

For someone who has her eyes on long-term goals like WNBA success and continuing her legacy at LSU, participating in a 3-on-3 tournament—no matter how high-profile it is—simply doesn’t align with her vision for what she wants out of her career.

3. She Wants to Inspire, Not Just Entertain

Angel Reese has become more than just a basketball player; she’s a voice for change in women’s sports, aiming to build a legacy of empowerment and show young girls that they can compete at the highest level. Her purpose isn’t to just entertain fans in a quick 3-on-3 format, but to inspire others to follow in her footsteps in the world of women’s basketball.

By focusing on her role with LSU, Reese is able to affect the landscape of women’s basketball in a way the Unrivaled League just can’t. She’s helping to raise the profile of college basketball, and her ambition lies in creating systemic change for women’s sports, pushing for more investment, recognition, and opportunities for women in the game.

4. Building Her Brand, on Her Own Terms

While many WNBA players and college stars have jumped on the 3-on-3 train, Reese has been selective in how she builds her brand. Instead of chasing the latest trend, Reese has strategically used her platform to build meaningful partnerships and focus on sponsorships and media opportunities that align with her long-term goals. The Unrivaled 3-on-3 League may offer some of the glitz and glamour that attracts other athletes, but it doesn’t necessarily help Reese solidify her brand or position her as a trailblazer in the way she envisions.

Rather than diving into every new opportunity, she’s staying focused on the bigger picture, including her WNBA aspirations and making sure that any moves she makes align with her values and her journey as a player and an advocate for women’s sports.

The Unrivaled League’s Missed Opportunity?

The Unrivaled 3-on-3 League certainly missed out on the chance to have one of the most exciting young stars in women’s basketball involved, but it’s clear that Reese never needed the league to validate her career. Angel Reese is already a force to be reckoned with, and the fact that she’s not jumping at the opportunity to compete in the league should not be seen as a slight, but rather a reflection of her focus on what truly matters in her journey.

While the league has made waves with a few notable players participating, it’s also becoming apparent that Reese’s path is one that’s carved out on her own terms. Her ambition is to reshape the game, and for that, she needs to stay grounded in the things that will help her reach her ultimate goals.

Conclusion: Reese’s Vision Is Bigger Than 3-on-3

So, while many expected Angel Reese to be front-and-center in the Unrivaled 3-on-3 League, it’s clear that she has bigger ambitions than simply playing in a high-profile but relatively short-term competition. Reese is focused on her collegiate career, her future in the WNBA, and, most importantly, her desire to elevate women’s basketball to new heights.

The Unrivaled League may not be on her radar, but that doesn’t mean it won’t continue to thrive without her. In fact, Angel Reese’s decision to focus on what matters to her is a testament to her maturity and vision for the future. Ultimately, it’s about what legacy she wants to leave—and for Reese, that’s something far beyond the scope of a 3-on-3 tournament.