Offseason leagues are stocking up, as Unrivaled just added another huge name to their growing portfolio with Seattle Storm star rookie Flau'jae Johnson.

Johnson reportedly signed a multi-year contract with Unrivaled as the No. 8 overall pick. She is now one of the most commercially layered rookies in all of women's basketball.

However, the deal with Unrivaled is not a new commercial bet for both parties, but rather an extension of their existing relationship. Johnson previously signed an NIL deal and also secured an equity stake with Unrivaled ahead of her senior season in college.

“Having been part of the Unrivaled family through its NIL program, I've had a front-row seat to that growth, and it's exciting to now officially join as a player. I'm excited to keep growing as a pro, compete against the best, and bring my game, my personality, and everything I represent to the league next season.” Johnson said in a statement released by Unrivaled.

With this statement, Johnson has told the world that she is not using Unrivaled as a fallback but rather as the destination she was always moving toward.

While this move seems game-changing for both parties, Johnson currently does not have the statistics to back it up.

The Storm guard is averaging 11.4 points per game on 34 percent shooting, with 2.3 assists and 2.1 turnovers per game. This ratio signals a player still finding her professional footing.

But it is not the rookie's fault completely, as the Storm currently possesses the second-worst record in the league with 3-14, along with a 10-game losing streak.

In addition, Johnson is also operating on a rebuilding roster with limited supporting infrastructure.

While Johnson will knowingly come around as the season progresses, she is not the only rookie making staggering progressions outside the WNBA.

Azzi Fudd Joins Project B

The No. 1 overall draft pick follows Nneka Ogwumike, Alyssa Thomas, Jonquel Jones, and other WNBA vets to Project B, as the six-team international league prepares to launch a Formula 1-style circuit tour this winter.

“Basketball has always been global to me,” Fudd said. “Project B brings players and fans from everywhere together, and [I] can’t wait to get out there.”

This is an interesting revelation, as Fudd will not be playing in Unrivaled, with whom she previously signed an NIL deal.

While neither Unrivaled nor Project B will be able to compete with the WNBA under the latest CBA, we could very well see competition between the two, especially after their dates on the calendar collided.

Meanwhile, No. 2 overall pick Olivia Miles also previously inked an agreement with Unrivaled.

Naturally, when you add up all these factors, Unrivaled and Project B are likely to be offseason rivals in terms of viewership and revenue going forward.

So, which one of the offseason leagues are you excited to watch, Unrivaled or Project B? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Joy Bassy

Edited by

Joy Bassy