All things considered, Athletes Unlimited Basketball is an absolute hit as fans are showing up to the Nashville Municipal Auditorium this season. Specifically, attendance is up a whopping 137 % and 183% in Week Two alone by comparison to last season. The game played on Feb. 12 was the most attended game in the league’s history. It is unknown which game it was as the league plays a doubleheader.
Fans in attendance watching Game Seven saw Odyssey Sims score 30 points with nine rebounds, taking MVP 1 honors. Guard Kia Nurse put up a game-high 35 points and won MVP 2 honors as Maddy Siegrist took home MVP 3 in that game with 19 points and eight boards. Game Eight was a nail-bitter as guard Tyasha Harris‘ team edged out forward Crystal Bradford‘s squad 87-81. Bradford notched a double-double with 25 points and 18 rebounds.
we love Nashville and Nashville loves us back 🫂
— AU Pro Basketball (@AUProBasketball) February 18, 2025
y’all are showing up and showing outttt, can’t wait to see what Week 3 brings! pic.twitter.com/CIel2WxJsA
Overall, the success thus far could play a role in Tennessee landing a WNBA franchise. A group led by former Tennessee Governor Bill Haslem placed a bid last month for an expansion franchise named after the late legendary Lady Vols head basketball coach Pat Summitt: Tennessee Summitt.
A Perfect Match Of Athletes Unlimited Basketball and Tennessee
Having Season Four of Athletes Unlimited Basketball makes sense given the history of basketball in the state of Tennessee.
The Tennessee Lady Vols are easily one of the most decorated college basketball programs (men’s or women’s) of all time. Under Summitt, the Lady Vols won eight National Championships, made 22 NCAAW Final Fours, and was a five-time Naismith College Coach of the Year.
Speaking of the Lady Vols, three players who played this season in AU Basketball attended the University of Tennessee. Forward Isabelle Harrison, a Nashville native, was a two-time Honorable Mention All-America selection, leading the school in scoring her senior year.
Next, forward Jordan Horston spent four seasons in Knoxville, starting 91 games for the Lady Vols from 2019 to 2023. Horston had 100+ assists every season with the school. Lastly, Meighan Simmons ranks fourth in games played for the Lady Vols (143) and was a four-year letter-winner. Simmons is fifth in scoring in school history (2,064).
What’s more, first-year Athletes Unlimited Basketball player Alysha Clark played collegiately at both Belmont University and Middle Tennessee State. Dorie Harrison spent her college years at Lipscomb University in Nashville. One thing is for sure: fans in the Music City love their hoops.
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