Through the first five games of the 2026 Unrivaled season, Laces has established themselves as the club to beat.
We’re five games into the 2026 Unrivaled season, and the expanded eight-team league has produced some fascinating storylines.
After a full two weeks of action, here’s how all eight clubs stack up.
8. Hive (1-4)
The expansion Hive have had the roughest start of any team in the league, sitting at 1-4 with a -59 point differential. Their offensive struggles are evident. They’re averaging just 64.2 points per game, the lowest in the league, and their 8.8 assists per game also rank last. The biggest issue is, outside of Kelsey Mitchell, the team lacks shot creators who can consistently beat their defender in isolation.
Defensively, they’re giving up 380 total points, far more than any other team. The bright spot? Hive leads the league with 4.4 blocks per game, showing they have some rim protection. Their win against the Rose was off the back of strong defense and the scoring of Mitchell and Monique Billings, which is going to have to be their calling card for future games.
7. Lunar Owls (1-4)
Last year’s elite defensive unit has stumbled out of the gates with a 1-4 record and a league-worst -67 point differential.
Without 2025 Unrivaled MVP Napheesa Collier for the season and no Skylar Diggins in their first three games, Lunar Owls are averaging only 65.4 points per game, second-lowest in the league. Their 13.0 turnovers per game are the highest mark in Unrivaled. But Aaliyah Edwards is having a phenomenal scoring season so far and with another self-creating guard in Diggins coming back into the fold, Lunar Owls could definitely sneak up a few spots in future rankings.
6. Vinyl (2-3)
Vinyl sits at 2-3 with a respectable +9 point differential, showing they’re competitive in every game.
At 67.2 points per game, Vinyl’s offense is middle-of-the-pack, but they have a couple of shot creators who can take over games. Dearica Hamby has the Unrivaled single-game scoring record with her 40-point outburst and Rhyne Howard has caught fire in a few games this season.
Their defensive focus has been solid, holding opponents to reasonable totals. The key for Vinyl moving forward is consistency and being more efficient with their first chance scoring. They have the talent to beat anyone.
5. Mist (3-2)
A team led by Breanna Stewart is never going to stay down for long.
Mist’s 71.8 points per game rank in the middle of the pack, but they lead the league with 9.8 offensive rebounds per game, showing their relentless attack on the glass. Their guard talent is remarkable, but Arike Ogunbowale has struggled shooting the ball out the gate. If she can regain her rhythm, this team could reach upper echelon status on offense.
Mist also ranks second in the league with 6.4 steals per game and 3.4 blocks per game, demonstrating their defensive versatility. The addition Alanna Smith has given them the athleticism and energy to complement their star power, and Li Yueru has had some intriguing moments as well.
4. Phantom (3-2)
Phantom have the perfect combination of youth and experience, making them one of my favorite teams to watch. They’ve made a remarkable turnaround after their tough loss to the Breeze on opening day.
Kelsey Plum is showing, once again, that she’s one of the best offensive players in the world. If they maintain this defensive intensity and Aliyah Boston continues her dominance, Phantom could make a serious playoff run.
3. Breeze (3-2)
Breeze has proven they belong in this league.
At 3-2, they’re firmly in the playoff hunt and have looked dominant. Scoring 72.0 points per game puts them right in the middle of the pack, but their 9.0 offensive rebounds per game, which rank second in the league, and league-leading 3.8 blocks per game show they’re aggressive and athletic.
What stands out about Breeze is that everyone on their team is a good rebounder. Their 38.0 rebounds per game—easily the best mark in the league and more than four boards better than the league average—is a big possession boost. They’re dominating the glass on both ends. It is astounding. The biggest question will be how much offensive contribution can they get from players besides Paige Bueckers. Right now, it’s been a struggle with the turnovers, but if Rickea Jackson can take that leap as a second scoring option, Breeze will be a tough out.
2. Rose (3-2)
Rose has continued where they left off last season: looking dominant. Chelsea Gray is playing at an MVP-level and the defense is stifling as usual.
Rose’s commitment to switching everything on defense while playing two centers at once has paid off; they’re allowing just 69.2 points per game. At 72.6 points per game offensively, they’re balanced and efficient. The biggest question will be how they continue to integrate Kahleah Copper back into the lineup. They’ve lost two games in a row since she’s returned. For now, the team also appears to be a bit too reliant on Gray’s heroics to win close games. It’s not a huge concern, as Rose has proven to be one of the league’s best teams anyways.
1. Laces (4-1)
Laces remain the team to beat in Unrivaled.
At 4-1 with a +31 point differential, and a current three-game winning streak, they’re firing on all cylinders. Their defense continues to be historically good—opponents are averaging just 67.6 points per game against them, the lowest mark in the league. Most impressively, they’re doing it without fouling, committing just 13.4 fouls per game.
Laces formula is simple but effective: size at the guard position without sacrificing mobility. The Alyssa Thomas, Brittney Sykes and Jackie Young lineup is absolutely insane when all three are locked in defensively, plus both guards are capable scorers.
At 73.8 points per game, Laces lead the league in scoring while playing at a controlled pace. Their 13.0 assists per game and respectable turnover numbers are a good sign, too. Laces roster is an amazing 3×3 fit that has championship upside written all over it.
Category: General Sports
