WNBA rookie will make Unrivaled debut as injuries mount

Aziaha James will lace up for her first-ever Unrivaled game on Monday night. That’s because the Phantom Club is dealing with a slew of injuries; Satou Sabally remains out with a concussion, while Dana Evans is out with a lower extremity injury. And, Tiffany Hayes is questionable with a lower extremity injury. So, James has been assigned as a relief player for the club, which is down to 4 fully healthy players.

So far this season, the Phantom have been led by Kelsey Plum (25 points, 7.5 assists per game), Natasha Cloud (11.5 points, 5.5 rebounds), Aliyah Boston (19.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 4 assists), and Kiki Iriafen (10.5 points, 6 rebounds).

The Phantom, coached by Connecticut Sun assistant coach Roneeka Hodges, are 1-1 on the season so far.

Aziaha James is the first Unrivaled development player to get the call-up

James is one of 7 Unrivaled players who are not officially on a roster, but instead partake in the league’s development program. The other development pool players are Chicago Sky guard Hailey Van Lith, Dallas Wings guard Haley Jones, Washington Mystics forward Emily Engstler, Golden State Valkyries forward Laeticia Amihere, Indiana Fever forward Makayla Timpson, and former WNBA player Kiana Williams.

James, who was selected with the 12th overall pick by the Dallas Wings in the 2025 draft, had a strong rookie campaign. She averaged 7.5 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game in 17.7 minutes last year, after a strong collegiate career at NC State.

James and the Phantom will face the Mist, who are headlined by Breanna Stewart, Arike Ogunbowale, Alanna Smith, Allisha Gray, Veronica Burton, and Li Yueru. The Mist are 2-0 so far this season, which began last week in Medley, Florida.