Rebekah Gardner, the talented guard for the New York Liberty, is making waves in the Athletes Unlimited league, showcasing her skills and leadership. But here's the twist: this league has a unique format that keeps everyone on their toes!
Gardner, eager to return to the Liberty for the 2026 season, is using this offseason to shine in Nashville with Athletes Unlimited. The league's format is a game-changer, with teams reassembling weekly, creating a dynamic and unpredictable environment.
"I was a bit nervous about the format initially," Gardner admitted. "But it's been an incredible experience! I've been lucky to be part of winning teams these first two weeks."
The league is divided into four teams: Rhythm, Glow, Gold Rush, and Eclipse. Each week, these teams draft new players, creating a fresh dynamic. Players compete in traditional 5x5 games, earning individual points for their contributions. After four weeks, the player with the highest score is crowned the league champion. Allisha Gray, the 2024 champion, and Maddy Siegrist, the 2025 champion, are both back this winter, adding to the competitive spirit.
"Getting to know my teammates has been amazing," Gardner shared. "It's exceeded my expectations."
One of the unique aspects is that each player gets to support a nonprofit of their choice. Gardner chose New Heights Youth, a youth development organization based in Brooklyn. In previous years, players took on more coaching roles, but this season, they have professional coaches and player enhancement specialists to guide them.
"Having players with a deep understanding of the game is crucial," Gardner explained. "As a captain, I chose teammates I gelled with and had great chemistry. The key is finding players who grasp the game's nuances and focus on teamwork, not just scoring. That's the path to the top of the leaderboard, and that's my strategy."
And this is the part most people miss: Gardner isn't alone in this league. Tina Charles, a Queens native, is also making her mark and currently ranks third on the leaderboard.
After the AU season, Gardner plans to return home to California for a well-deserved break before heading back to New York for training camp.
So, what do you think? Is this unique league format a game-changer for women's basketball? Or does it take away from the traditional team spirit? Let's discuss in the comments!
