Why Is Cameron Brink Not Playing in Unrivaled Despite Joining Lunar Owls?
Cameron Brink, the newest addition to Unrivaled’s Lunar Owls as a wild-card pick, won’t be taking the court this season. The forward signed a two-year deal with the league back in December, but fans will have to wait until the 2026 season to see her in action.
Co-founded by WNBA superstars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, the new 3-on-3 women’s basketball league is gearing up for its much-anticipated debut on January 17. The league’s inaugural eight-week season has drawn an impressive lineup of elite talent. Brink’s team, the Lunar Owls, boasts a star-studded roster with Collier, Allisha Gray, Courtney Williams, Skylar Diggins-Smith, and Shakira Austin leading the charge. While defensively solid, the team could feel Brink’s absence on the offensive end. What is the reason behind it?
Cameron Brink’s Setback
Standford graduate, Cameron Brink was a projected lottery pick going into the WNBA draft. As anticipated, the Forward was picked No.2 overall by the LA Sparks. She would start all first 15 games for her team as a rookie, averaging 7.5 points and 5.3 rebounds.
However, just as things were looking promising, Brink’s season took an unfortunate turn during the game against Connecticut Sun. The 23-year-old, who had also fetched a spot on the 3×3 Olympic roster, injured her knee while driving to the basket during the Sparks’ June 18 79-70 loss. It was later revealed to be an ACL injury, sidelining her for the rest of the season.
ACL injuries usually require nine to ten months of recovery, making her status for the upcoming Unrivaled League uncertain. As a result, the 23-year-old forward, who signed a multi-year deal, won’t be able to play until 2026. However, she’s still fully committed to supporting her teammates and will be making the trip to Florida to be part of the exciting new league.
As she shared, “I feel really good. I mean, I’m not close to being back, but that’s fine. I’ve been able to shoot around a bit on the court. That’s just a part of the process.” Five months post-operation, Brink continues to stay focused on her recovery. She admitted to ESPN that she wasn’t able to do a ton but had good support from team. She will continue with the recovery while utilizing the opportunity to be around some great players.
A star in her own right, unfortunate that the wait to tap into more of her potential extends. But Brink isn’t sitting ideal.
Unrivaled welcomes excitement, keeps Brink on her feet
Cameron Brink has been a standout since high school, earning the McDonald’s All-American honors. College run with Stanford or on the international stage with team USA, her performance did not deter. The 2024 Defensive Player of the Year, also led the national 3×3 team to victory at the 2023 FIBA 3×3 World Cup, earning the MVP title.
That was a glimpse of what Brink was ready to offer on the professional stage. But the 23-year-old never seems to have let the disappointment show. Even as she wore her cast and did the rehab, the Sparks star kept herself occupied with off court ventures including Puma’s “We Got Now” campaign and making the business panels. She was even grateful for being able to do “normal people stuff,” and enjoyed a trip to Paris.
“It’s been really great to just take a step back,” Brink had said. She continues to carry the positive outlook, except, she is indulging in some on court practices to make the most of the opportunity. “Iron sharpens iron, so while I’m there, I’ll be able to train with people and work on my game,” she said.
While Angel Reese and Kahleah Cooper struck up an online banter, luring in Candace Parker, Brink and Lexie Hull stunned for a mirror selfie. The teams across put the arenas to complete use with practice and the rivals-turned-teammates all around added to the atmosphere. That’s the excitement Unrivaled has spun and its understandable why Brink finds herself in Miami, injured, working her three-pointers, and awaiting to cheer courtside.
