Unrivaled, the women’s professional 3-on-3 basketball league, made history in Philadelphia on Friday night. The league set a regular-season attendance record of 21,490, marking the return of women’s professional basketball to the city for the first time in nearly 30 years. Natasha Cloud, a New York Liberty standout and former WNBA champion, grew up cheering for the 76ers and idolizing Allen Iverson. Playing on the same court where Iverson’s No. 3 jersey hangs, Cloud said the moment was surreal. “Man, it’s crazy to be standing here about to play professionally in my home city,” she said. Philadelphia fans turned out in droves, including celebrities such as Robin Roberts, Sixers guard Kyle Lowry, and comedians Leslie Jones and Wanda Sykes. Cloud held an “Abolish Ice” sign as she entered to a roaring ovation. The record surpassed the previous WNBA regular-season high of 20,711 set in September 2024 by the Indiana Fever and Washington Mystics. The evening featured a doubleheader. Kelsey Plum led Phantom BC to a 71-68 win over the Breeze with 22 points, while Marina Mabrey scored a league-high 47 points, leading the Lunar Owls to an 85-75 victory. Philly native Kahleah Copper, 2021 WNBA Finals MVP, helped promote the event and guided her teammates around the city. “I think the city is ready for women’s professional sports,” Copper said. Philadelphia has a storied men’s basketball history with legends like Wilt Chamberlain, Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson, Julius Erving, and Joel Embiid. But the city hasn’t hosted a women’s pro game since 1998, when the Philadelphia Rage played in the now-defunct American Basketball League. Local star Dawn Staley has kept the spotlight on women’s basketball, but professional games were largely absent until Unrivaled’s debut. Unrivaled co-founders Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier hope the Philadelphia tour stop will help the league expand its fan base and revenue. Fans in the city embraced the league, with pep rallies and watch parties surrounding the arena. Plans are underway for a new Philadelphia arena to host a future WNBA team by 2030. Despite the packed house, the league faces challenges with televised viewership. This season, Unrivaled is averaging 92,000 viewers on TNT and truTV, down 49% from last year. Primetime games on TNT have seen a 68% drop in viewers compared with comparable programming. Still, players like Cloud focused on the energy of the fans rather than ratings. Cameron Brink of the Breeze celebrated the city’s enthusiasm, saying, “This is a city that wants to cheer on women’s basketball.” Brink also dunked at practice for the first time since a torn ACL in June, delighting fans. Former UConn star Paige Bueckers added, “To see the sold-out arena and the love for women’s sports means a lot for the future, including getting a WNBA team.” Unrivaled CEO Alex Bazzell hinted that more tour dates could follow. “We’re going to continue to make the sports world proud by the product we put out,” he said. The Philadelphia tour stop demonstrated that professional women’s basketball can draw massive crowds and build excitement. With record-breaking attendance, enthusiastic local support, and rising stars on the court, Unrivaled is proving that women’s hoops have a growing and passionate audience.