Rena Wakama, assistant coach for the Chicago Sky, has taken a major step forward in her career. The Nigerian coach was officially announced as one of the new additions to Unrivaled, a 3-on-3 basketball league created by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart. The project seeks to redefine women’s basketball through innovation, visibility, and global inclusion.
Wakama served as one of three assistants under head coach Tyler Marsh during the last WNBA season, alongside Courtney Paris and Tanisha Wright. Despite the Sky finishing the campaign with a 10-34 record, tied with the Dallas Wings for the worst mark in the league, Wakama’s work stood out. Her focus on developing young talent, particularly rising star Angel Reese, earned her praise across the organization.
A promising opportunity
According to Athlon Sports, Wakama’s impact went beyond the court. Her leadership and communication skills caught the attention of Unrivaled’s organizers, who later selected her to coach the new Hive Basketball Club (Hive BC), one of the league’s expansion teams. “It’s an opportunity to keep growing and contribute to a league that promotes women’s development,” said Wakama.
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A former player for Western Carolina University, Wakama also serves as head coach of Nigeria’s senior women’s national team. She will continue to balance both roles in 2026, showing her commitment to elevating African basketball on the global stage.
Unrivaled, which debuted in 2025 with all games hosted in Miami, will expand next season with stops in Philadelphia as part of its first official tour. The league’s second season will feature other notable coaches such as Noelle Quinn, Zach O’Brien, and Teresa Weatherspoon, blending WNBA experience with new perspectives.
For Wakama, joining Unrivaled is more than just a professional move — it’s a statement. She aims to strengthen the connection between Africa and the U.S., bringing her international experience to a platform that celebrates creativity, diversity, and competition. Her arrival symbolizes the growing global reach of women’s basketball and highlights how new projects like Unrivaled are reshaping the sport’s future.
