Get ready, basketball fans, because the 2026 Athletes Unlimited (AU) season is about to tip off in Nashville, and it’s bringing something we’ve all been missing: 5x5 professional women’s basketball. While Unrivaled has kept the sport alive in the U.S. with its 3x3 format, AU is stepping up to deliver the traditional game we know and love—and it’s packed with WNBA stars honing their skills. But here’s where it gets interesting: AU isn’t your typical basketball league. From its unique team-building process to its innovative scoring system, this league is redefining what it means to play the game. And this is the part most people miss—it’s not just about winning games; it’s about individual performance, leadership, and fan engagement. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this groundbreaking season.
The AU Format: A Fresh Take on Basketball
Since its launch in 2021, AU has been a game-changer. With 40 athletes competing in a single location—this year, the Nashville Municipal Auditorium—the league condenses all the action into four weeks of intense play. But what sets AU apart is its dynamic structure. Teams aren’t static; they’re redrafted every single week. That’s right—every Monday at 1 p.m. ET, four captains assemble their squads from the active roster, taking full control of lineups, in-game decisions, and practice plans. It’s a high-stakes, ever-changing environment that keeps players on their toes and fans on the edge of their seats.
How Captains Are Chosen: A System in Evolution
AU’s captain selection process has evolved, and the 2026 season is sticking with these changes. Here’s the breakdown:
- Week One: Captains are randomly selected from returning players who’ve opted into the lottery. These veterans know the AU system inside and out, making them ideal leaders from the start.
- Weeks Two and Three: The top four point-earners on the weekly leaderboard become captains. This shift from the previous cumulative leaderboard system ensures that the hottest players of the moment are calling the shots.
- Champions Week (Week Four): The season’s top four point-earners take the helm, setting the stage for an epic finale.
Meet the Week One Captains and Teams
For the season opener, Bria Hartley, NaLyssa Smith, Lexie Brown, and Alysha Clark are leading the charge. Here’s how the teams—now named instead of color-coded—are shaping up:
- Gold Rush: Led by Bria Hartley, featuring Isabelle Harrison, Odyssey Sims, and more.
- Glow: Captained by NaLyssa Smith, with Tina Charles, Ariel Atkins, and a powerhouse lineup.
- Rhythm: Lexie Brown’s squad includes Shey Peddy, Brianna Turner, and other standout players.
- Eclipse: Alysha Clark leads a team with Mercedes Russell, Kaitlyn Chen, and rising stars.
Scoring in AU: It’s Not Just About Wins
AU’s scoring system is where things get truly revolutionary. Players earn points not just for winning games or quarters but also for individual plays, fan votes, and even drawing fouls. Here’s the breakdown:
- Team Wins: +180 points for a game win, +60 for a quarter win.
- MVP Votes: The top three MVPs of each game earn 90, 60, and 30 points, respectively.
- Positive Plays: Assists, steals, blocks, and made shots all rack up points, while negative plays like turnovers and fouls deduct them. For example, a made 3-pointer earns 30 points, but a missed one costs 10.
Controversial Question: Does this scoring system prioritize individual glory over team success? Let us know in the comments!
Overtime Rules: Keeping It Simple
If a game goes to overtime, teams play an additional five minutes. If it’s still tied, they play to seven points. Here’s the twist: no extra points are awarded in OT, keeping the focus on the regular game’s performance.
Players to Watch: Stars and Rising Talent
With a 40-player roster, AU is stacked with talent. Here are three players you won’t want to miss:
1. Lexie Brown: An AU original and chair of the AU Pro Basketball Player Executive Committee, Brown is a seasoned WNBA veteran with a sharp 3-point shot. As Week One captain of Rhythm, she’s a leader both on and off the court.
2. Tina Charles: The WNBA’s all-time leader in rebounds and field goals is making her AU debut. After dominating for the Connecticut Sun, Charles is ready to take Nashville by storm.
3. Sarah Ashlee Barker: This young talent averaged just 14.1 minutes per game as a rookie in the WNBA. In AU, she’ll get more playing time to develop her skills, starting with the Gold Rush in Week One.
How to Watch: Free and Accessible
Catching AU action is easier than ever. All 24 games of the 2026 season are free to watch via the WNBA App or ESPN+. Legends like Sheryl Swoopes and Cindy Brunson are back on commentary, joined by Sydney Colson, a founding AU athlete recovering from an ACL injury. It’s a broadcast team that’s as dynamic as the league itself.
Week One Schedule: Mark Your Calendars
- Wednesday, February 4: Rhythm vs. Glow (6:30 p.m. ET), Gold Rush vs. Eclipse (9 p.m. ET)
- Friday, February 6: Eclipse vs. Glow (6:30 p.m. ET), Rhythm vs. Gold Rush (9 p.m. ET)
- Saturday, February 7: Eclipse vs. Rhythm (6:30 p.m. ET), Glow vs. Gold Rush (9 p.m. ET)
Final Thought: AU’s 2026 season isn’t just basketball—it’s a bold experiment in innovation, leadership, and fan engagement. Will it redefine the sport? Only time will tell. What do you think? Is AU the future of basketball, or just a fascinating detour? Share your thoughts below!
