Aliyah Boston will not return to Unrivaled for a third season.
The 3x3 league announced Wednesday that Boston will miss the 2027 season as she continues to recover from surgery she underwent two weeks ago to repair the lateral meniscus in her right knee.
Recovery from a meniscus repair, which preserves the tissue and is generally better for long-term knee health, is measured in months rather than weeks.
Boston originally suffered the injury while playing in Unrivaled in late February. It caused her to miss the league’s championship game and the FIBA Women’s World Cup qualifying tournament in March.
She opted to not have surgery so she could play in the WNBA season and represent Team USA at the World Cup in Berlin, where the Americans won gold.
“I definitely started the year with a lot of uncertainty,” Boston said during a three-minute exit interview. “I think there were definitely some games where I was hindered a little bit, and then obviously, we know I missed some games.
“So it definitely was a change for me, because I’m somebody that just loves to compete and love to play, and I never like to sit out. So it definitely had its impact, but we made it through a full season, so I’m always grateful.”
In her fourth WNBA season, she averaged a career-high 16.1 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game.
Boston signed a multi-year deal in August to return to Unrivaled, months after becoming the first player in WNBA history to sign a maximum contract extension via the EPIC provision.
Lexie Hull and Monique Billings, both of whom are under contract with the Fever for next season, are signed to play in Unrivaled in 2027.
Unrivaled also announced that they reached a mutual contract termination agreement with Kate Martin, Caitlin Clark’s close friend and former Iowa teammate.
“I’m incredibly grateful to Unrivaled for the opportunity to be part of its first two seasons,” said Martin. “It’s been special to help launch a league that continues to elevate women’s basketball. While I’m excited about what’s on the horizon for me, I’m so thankful for the people, the competition, and the memories I’ve made in Unrivaled.”
The Miami-based league plans to unveil rosters on Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. ET. The season begins on Jan. 8 at TD Garden in Boston.