Imagine a basketball league where the future of a WNBA team could hinge on the performance of a single player during the offseason. That’s the reality for Connecticut Sun forward Aaliyah Edwards as she steps into the Unrivaled basketball season. With three Sun players—Saniya Rivers, Marina Mabrey, and Edwards herself—competing in this year’s Unrivaled, fans have plenty to watch even when the WNBA takes a break. But here’s where it gets intriguing: while all three players are set to showcase their skills, Edwards might have the most to gain—or lose—depending on how she performs.
Edwards and Mabrey will team up for the Lunar Owls BC, while Rivers joins the newly formed Hive BC. The Unrivaled season tips off on January 5 at 1 p.m. EST in Miami, with the Hive facing the Mist. The Lunar Owls, however, won’t hit the court until January 6, when they take on Rose BC at 8 p.m. EST. This offseason league isn’t just about staying in shape—it’s a platform for players to prove their worth, and for Edwards, it could be a game-changer.
Unrivaled brings together WNBA talent from across the country, offering a unique chance to refine skills and build chemistry. Yet, not all players are in the same boat. For Edwards, a 23-year-old Canadian forward, this is an opportunity to step out of the shadows. During the Sun’s 2025 season, rookies like Rivers, Aneesah Morrow, and Leïla Lacan grabbed the spotlight, while Edwards, though productive, averaged 5.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 0.6 assists per game on 44.8% shooting. Solid numbers, but not enough to make her a standout—yet.
Drafted 6th overall from UConn in the 2024 WNBA draft, Edwards debuted with the Washington Mystics, averaging 7.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists on 49.0% shooting as a rookie. However, in August 2025, she was traded to the Sun in exchange for guard Jacy Sheldon and a 2026 first-round pick. Now, Unrivaled gives her a stage to remind everyone why she was a top draft pick. But here’s the controversial part: Can Edwards truly elevate her game enough to become a cornerstone for the Sun’s 2026 campaign?
The Sun had a disappointing 2025 season, and they’re desperate for improvement. Unrivaled isn’t just a showcase for Edwards—it’s a chance to develop skills that could directly impact her WNBA performance. If she thrives, she could be the missing piece that propels the Sun into playoff contention next year. And this is the part most people miss: Edwards’s quiet talent might be exactly what the Sun needs, but only if she seizes this moment.
So, what do you think? Can Aaliyah Edwards use Unrivaled as a launching pad for a breakout 2026 season, or is the pressure too much? Let’s debate in the comments—your take could be the most insightful one yet!
