As women’s basketball continues to explode in popularity, Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball will bring professional women’s basketball to Nashville. The Nashville Municipal Auditorium will host the league’s fourth championship season this winter. The 24-game campaign will run from February 5–March 2, 2025. With a four-week competition promoting playoff-level intensity in every game, AU Pro Basketball features world-class talent (during the 2024 season, 29 of the 40 players had WNBA experience) competing to be crowned individual champion.
Group and season ticket deposits for the upcoming season are available now. The 40-player roster, as well as the full schedule for the 2025 AU Pro Basketball season, including broadcast information, game dates and times will be announced at a later date.
AU Pro Basketball features a range of scoring innovations to bring athletes and fans a unique and intense version of the sport, while featuring a traditional full-court five-on-five format. Individual athletes earn points based on both team wins and individual performance to become the champions in team sports. Points are earned on every play and the leaderboard will change constantly. In addition, teams change each week with the top four athletes in the standings serving as captains and drafting their teams. At the end of the four-week season, the player with the most points is crowned as the league’s individual champion.
Previous seasons of AU Pro Basketball took place in Las Vegas (2022) and Dallas (2023 and 2024). Allisha Gray won the 2024 AU Pro Basketball title, joining NaLyssa Smith (2023) and Tianna Hawkins (2022) as AU Pro Basketball Champions.
AU Pro Basketball is part of Athletes Unlimited, which was named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies in 2023 and features an Advisory Board comprised of an illustrious group of high-profile contributors from the worlds of sports, business and entertainment including basketball legend Sheryl Swoopes, two-time NBA champion and entrepreneur Kevin Durant and Rich Kleiman of 35 Ventures; and U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team superstar Abby Wambach, among many others.
“The city of Nashville has been so enthusiastic and welcoming to us, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to bring Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball to Music City,” said Megan Perry, director of Basketball for Athletes Unlimited. “Tennessee has long been a hotbed for women’s basketball as the home of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame and its rich history at the collegiate level. We’re excited to bring a roster full of elite professional talent on the court and on the sidelines back to fans in the region.”
“It’s inspiring to see how women’s sports has captured the nation’s attention, from the college basketball tournament in the spring, the popularity of the ongoing WNBA season, and through the Olympic Games this summer. Having the athletes driving the AU Pro Basketball season at Municipal Auditorium is an exciting opportunity to showcase WNBA level experience and talent in Nashville,” said Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell. “As mayor of a great sports city, and as father of two daughters who are both athletes and women’s sports fans, I’m excited to welcome the league and players to our city.”
“Athletes Unlimited has given so many players like myself the opportunity to play world-class basketball domestically during the WNBA offseason while offering players a real seat at the table regarding all important decisions about the league,” said Lexie Brown, who chairs the AU Pro Basketball Player Executive Committee and also plays for the Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA. “I have heard from many players who are looking forward to competing in Nashville, a city that has been passionate about women’s basketball for a long time.”
“This event couldn’t come at a better time as women’s basketball is truly having a moment in the spotlight. Nashville has always been a proud sports city with a rich history of women’s athletics, and this tournament will only enhance our reputation as a premier destination for sports events,” said Deana Ivey, president/CEO, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corporation. “We are excited about the national television coverage that will inspire future visitors to Nashville, and hosting in February will give our local hospitality industry a much-needed boost during what is typically a slower time of the year. We look forward to welcoming all the athletes to Music City.”
“Welcome Athletes Unlimited. The Sports Authority has paid close attention to the rise of women’s basketball, and the growth of women’s sports, over the past five years. From surveying community interest in women’s professional sports to spotlighting local legends during the 50th anniversary of Title IX, the Sports Authority is committed to the advancement of girls and women in sports on all levels,” said Monica Fawknotson, executive director, Metro Nashville Sports Authority. “We are thrilled to have Athletes Unlimited in Nashville for its fourth season. To have this level of basketball talent playing in our backyard is a treat.”
