Get ready for an exciting sports story that will have you on the edge of your seat! Miami's own Erica Wheeler is making a comeback, and it's a tale of determination and a love for the game.
Erica Wheeler, a Miami native and WNBA standout, is about to write a new chapter in her basketball journey. She's been away from her hometown since 2009, when she embarked on a scholarship at Rutgers University. But now, at 34, she's back in Miami, training for the upcoming season of Unrivaled, a 3-on-3 professional women's basketball league.
"It's been a while since I've called Miami home," Wheeler shared. "With Unrivaled, I get to spend three whole months here, training and performing for my hometown crowd. It's a dream come true."
Unrivaled's season kicks off on Monday, and the anticipation is palpable. Wheeler admits she's nervous, but she's also excited to showcase her skills in front of her home fans. "I hope I don't disappoint in my first game! It might take me a couple of weeks to settle in, but I'm ready to give it my all."
Fast forward to the present, and Wheeler hasn't played in Miami since 2011, when her Rutgers team faced off against the Hurricanes in a thrilling double-overtime game. Despite her 13-point effort, including a clutch layup, Miami's Riquna Williams stole the show with 36 points. Now, a decade later, Williams and Wheeler will be back in Miami, ready to reignite the competition.
Unrivaled made its debut in 2025 with six teams, but this year, the league expands to eight. Wheeler, a proud and talented athlete, was initially overlooked for the 2025 season. When the invitation finally came for 2026, she had a point to prove. "They didn't come for me last year, so I was playing in China. I had to make it clear: 'I'm the only active Miami player in the WNBA, and you didn't even consider me?'"
But Unrivaled made an offer she couldn't refuse, and Wheeler is thrilled to be back home. She's no stranger to international courts, having played in countries like Brazil, France, Russia, and Turkey. "I never imagined I'd see the world through basketball. It's an incredible opportunity, especially for someone from Liberty City."
Wheeler attributes her success to her late mother, Melissa Cooper, who raised three children as a single parent. "She was my inspiration. I saw her hard work and dedication, and I wanted to repay her in some way."
When it comes to finances, Wheeler has done exceptionally well. She owns two restaurants in Atlanta and has investments in real estate. "I've been fortunate to make the most of my earnings. I have a great financial team, and I've got millions put away. I'm set for the future."
Even with the uncertainty surrounding the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the WNBA and its players, Wheeler remains confident. "The WNBA is here to stay. There's no way they can cancel the season. It would be a huge mistake."
Describing herself as an "energetic point guard who can score, pass, and defend," Wheeler's journey has been anything but ordinary. She went undrafted in 2013 but made it onto a WNBA roster two years later with the Atlanta Dream. She joined Indiana in 2016 and made history in 2019 by becoming the first undrafted player to be named MVP of the All-Star Game.
There were setbacks, too. Wheeler missed the 2020 season due to COVID and a heart condition. She played with Los Angeles in 2021 and returned to Atlanta in 2022. In 2023, she started all 40 games for the Fever, but in 2024, she moved to the bench to make way for the talented rookie Caitlin Clark.
"Clark brought a new energy to the league. She put the WNBA on the map. I supported her from day one. She's like a little sister to me, and I'm proud of her success."
Last season, Wheeler played with Seattle, but the team fell short in the playoffs against the Las Vegas Aces. Despite the loss, Wheeler had a strong performance, tying for the team high with 16 points.
Looking ahead, Wheeler believes she has two more years left in her basketball career. "I'm like an old car. I need a little warm-up, but once I'm going, I'm a Ferrari. My knees and feet might hurt the day after a game, but I still have the passion and the skill."
Here's a sneak peek at some of the top players joining Unrivaled 2026:
- Breeze: Led by the dynamic duo of Paige Bueckers and Cameron Brink.
- Hive: Sonia Citron, an All-Star rookie, takes the lead.
- Laces: Four-time All-Star Jackie Young and six-time All-Star Alyssa Thomas form a powerful partnership.
- Lunar Owls: Skylar Diggins, a seven-time All-Star, brings her experience to the court.
- Mist: Breanna Stewart, a seven-time All-Star and three-time WNBA champion, teams up with four-time All-Star Arike Ogunbowale.
- Phantom: Kelsey Plum, a four-time All-Star, and Satou Sabally, a three-time All-Star, lead the way.
- Rose: Chelsea Gray, a six-time All-Star and four-time WNBA champion, is a force to be reckoned with.
- Vinyl: Wheeler joins forces with Brittney Griner, a 10-time WNBA All-Star and two-time WNBA Defensive Player of the Year.
Get ready for an unforgettable season of Unrivaled! Who do you think will dominate the court? And how will Erica Wheeler's homecoming story unfold? Let's discuss in the comments!
