ATTENTION ATHLETES... Let's work!!
Did we meet at a sporting event? Let's stay connected!
Courtside Energy: My Unforgettable Season With AU
Courtside Energy: My Unforgettable Season With Athletes Unlimited
This season of Athletes Unlimited Basketball was one for the books — and I had the privilege of experiencing it up close, personal, and in true VIP fashion. I wanted to share a recap of what made this season so special, from the electric roster to the unmatched fan experience.
The excitement started long before tip‑off. As soon as the player announcements dropped, the energy was already building.
This season brought an incredible mix of:
Rising newcomers like Sarah‑Lee Barker, Caitlin Chen, Zia Cooke, Deja Kelly, Aneesah Morrow, Aaliyah Nye, Te-Hina PaoPao, Jaycee Sheldon
Veteran powerhouses like Tina Charles, Rebecca Harris, Natasha Mack
Hometown favorites like AC, Izzy & Dodie Harrison
Beloved returners like KB, Bria Hartley, Kia Nurse, Odyssey Sims, NaLyssa Smith
And a dynamic new additions like Ariel Atkins, Aeriel Powers, Kiah Stokes
Athletes Unlimited’s five‑on‑five format is already unique, but what truly sets it apart is the weekly draft. Every week, captains — chosen based on the previous week’s performance — build brand‑new teams.
This means:
- New chemistry to build
- New leadership to emerge
- New opportunities for players to shine
Watching players adapt so quickly, learning each other’s tendencies and strengths in real time, was incredible. Even when teammates changed from week to week, you could see chemistry forming right before your eyes. It gave players the space to showcase their individual brilliance while still building something collective.
It’s a completely different experience from a traditional WNBA season — and honestly, that’s what makes it so special.
From the second my husband and I arrived in Nashville, the experience was top‑tier. We were treated like absolute VIPs — our own parking spot, escorted through the back by the incredibly kind Ms. Shana, and floor seats every single night.
And then there was the brand‑new Athletes Unlimited Lounge. Not only did it offer delicious little bites, but it also became a hub for connecting with decision‑makers, community leaders, and people who genuinely care about the growth of women’s sports. It felt like being part of something bigger than just basketball.
Here's The Financial T's Take
One of the biggest takeaways for me this season was the financial reality that becomes impossible to ignore when you look around the arena.
I met fans from:
- Right around the corner in Nashville
- Florida
- Las Vegas
- And even others who traveled as far as I did from Virginia
We all traveled — spent money, took time off, booked hotels — just to watch these 40 athletes play two games a night. That level of dedication speaks volumes. If fans are willing to invest this much, then the players absolutely deserve continued investment and increased pay.
Next, Athletes Unlimited does something truly special: it brings fans and players together in a way that feels genuine and intimate.
Fans can:
- Take pictures
- Get autographs
- Have real conversations
- Share moments that last a lifetime
This isn’t something most players get during the WNBA season, but at AU, it’s built into the culture. And the players respond with so much gratitude and authenticity.
One moment I’ll never forget happened on Championship Day. Fans had traveled from far away just to see Aeriel Powers, and the love they showed her was overwhelming. She was touched — genuinely moved — and I had the honor of capturing that moment on video for her. Even though I wasn’t part of the interaction itself, witnessing it felt like something I’ll carry with me forever.
This season of Athletes Unlimited wasn’t just about basketball. It was about community, access, appreciation, and the shared belief that these athletes deserve the world. From the VIP experience to the on‑court brilliance to the emotional fan moments, every piece of it reminded me why I love this league — and why I’ll keep showing up, cheering loudly, and advocating for these players.
Athletes Unlimited is more than a league. It’s a movement. And I’m grateful I got to be part of it.
Philly Was Unrivaled — And I Was There
Philly Was Unrivaled — And I Was There
First of all, people came to Philly from far and wide. The Northeast had just been smacked with a snowstorm earlier in the week, so honestly, I wasn’t even sure I was going to make the trip. I waited, holding my breath, watching the weather like my life depended on it. Finally—clear skies. All systems were a go. We were leaving Thursday.
Once the trip was locked in, I decided to do a little recon. I checked to see if the 76ers were playing at home. They were. Perfect. Since Unrivaled would be at the same venue, this was my chance to get my logistics straight.
Train ride? ✅
Ease of getting to the arena? ✅
Mental notes taken.
By game day, social media was buzzing nonstop with the “Philly Is Unrivaled” theme. The energy was already loud online, and people were planning to arrive early for the watch party. My Threads group was definitely among them.
We got there around 5:30 p.m. and let me tell you—the place was already CRAWLING.
SO. MANY. PEOPLE.
Already?! At a women’s basketball game?! I hadn’t experienced that before, but I loved every second of it.
At 6:00 p.m. sharp, we busted through the doors—and I mean busted. I had never seen anything like it. I would later learn that this night set the record for WBB regular season attendance and Xfinity Arena attendance, ever.
Let that sink in.
The atmosphere? Electric.
The basketball? Just as electric.
Phantom took down Breeze (GHOST GA-HANG), and the crowd was fully locked in. Phantom jerseys everywhere. Paige jerseys everywhere. Engagement was high from tip-off to buzzer. Tash absolutely put on a show.
Then came the Rose vs. Lunar Owls game.
Everyone expected Kah, the Point Gawd, and the crew to cook. But no one—and I mean NO ONE—expected Money Marina Mabrey to completely lose her mind (in the best way possible). If you haven’t seen her performance, stop what you’re doing right now and go watch it. Immediately. I’ll wait.
Now, let’s talk about the night from The Financial T perspective, because that’s where things get really interesting.
1. Lines. Everywhere.
And that’s a good thing. Lines mean people were spending—on merch, food, experiences, all things Unrivaled. I didn’t see one person mad about waiting. No complaints. Just decisions being made: “Do I risk missing part of the game or nah?” That’s a beautiful problem for a league to have.
2. Stars on stars on stars.
From GOAT Dawn Staley to 76ers players, Eagles players, and celebrities sprinkled all over the building—it really hit how important this night was. The weight of it. The visibility. This wasn’t just basketball; this was an event. And I already know many of us will be following Unrivaled to future tour stops—not just for the hoops, but for who might pop out next.
3. Attendance. Attendance. Attendance.
Over 21,000 people showed up. I didn’t see a single empty seat. Not one. If this level of success continues in upcoming tour cities, Unrivaled—and those cities—are looking at serious revenue growth. And let’s be real: no city wants Philly to outdo them, right?
In the end, I’m honestly pouting that we only got one night of this bliss. One wasn’t enough. But I’m already looking ahead to the rest of the tour.
My experience was truly… UNRIVALED.
After the Last Whistle Blows
We're excited to introduce our efforts to serve new professional athletes!
Coach
We coach professional athletes solid financial habits for today, tomorrow, and beyond
Referee
We expose penalties for setbacks before they're ever committed
Team Player
We're not here to replace any trusted advisors, like an agent or someone the team has hired for the new professional athlete. We're here to be a part of the team, and happy to be a role-player
Our Skillz
Financial planning is our forte'. We specialize in:
-Liquid savings plans
-Life/health/disability insurance advice (we sell NO products!)
-Short-, mid-, long-term investing
-Spending planning
-Debt reduction planning
-Real estate tax planning
Game Over
Establish and maintain a level of wealth when athletic career comes to an end, whether abruptly or otherwise
Why do I care the the new professional athlete?
Wanna know why I care?? Watch this.
Schedule your free 30-minute consultation
Use this link to schedule your FREE 30-minute consultation today!