The recent announcement of team names for the Unrivaled basketball league has generated a mix of amusement and disbelief among sports fans. While the intention behind launching a new league to promote women’s basketball is commendable, many are finding the names chosen for the teams to be quite perplexing.

 

 

Among the most notable names are the “Laces,” a seemingly lighthearted take on the established WNBA team, the Aces. Critics have pointed out the absurdity of referring to the Aces as the Laces, likening it to walking into a sporting goods store and mistakenly asking for an Aces jersey at a location not even dedicated to basketball. The reference underscores how some fans perceive the name as a mockery rather than a serious branding effort.

Other names that have raised eyebrows include the “Lunar Owls,” “Rose Basketball Club,” “Phantom,” and “Vinyl Basketball Club.” The Lunar Owls have drawn particular ire for their whimsical and somewhat childish connotation, with critics comparing the team’s logo to something a child might draw. The Phantom’s logo, which some have described as simplistic and unprofessional, further adds to the skepticism surrounding the league’s branding choices.

Despite the ridicule, some fans remain hopeful that the league’s names will grow on them over time. One commentator pointed out that they were initially dismissive of the New Orleans Pelicans name, yet it eventually became acceptable. There is a glimmer of optimism that the same could happen with the new Unrivaled teams.

As the league prepares for its debut, there are mixed feelings about the impact of these names on potential player involvement. Star player Caitlin Clark, for instance, could attract attention and fan support, but her association with a team called the Laces might be a tough sell. Fans have humorously suggested that if Clark plays for the Laces, they might even resort to modifying their existing Aces jerseys with a Sharpie to reflect the new name.

While many fans are critical of the choices made for the new teams, there is also acknowledgment that creative branding in sports can be hit or miss. Some of the criticism mirrors sentiments shared across other leagues and sports, where team names and logos sometimes provoke strong opinions.

In conclusion, while the launch of the Unrivaled basketball league is an exciting development for women’s sports, the decision to adopt these particular team names may require a more thoughtful approach in the future. As fans await the league’s official kickoff, the dialogue around these names is likely to continue, with some hoping for a rebranding effort that reflects the serious ambition behind creating a new basketball platform.