Get ready for an exciting sports story that will have you on the edge of your seat! Miami's very own Erica Wheeler is making a comeback, and this time, it's personal.
Erica Wheeler, a WNBA legend and Miami native, is set to make her debut in the Unrivaled 3-on-3 basketball league, and it's a homecoming like no other.
You see, Erica hasn't called Miami home since her college days at Rutgers University. But now, at 34, she's back in her hometown, training hard for the upcoming Unrivaled season. "It's been a while since I've spent more than a month in Miami," she shares. "Being here for three months, training and playing in front of my family and friends, it's a dream come true."
And what a season it promises to be! Unrivaled, which debuted in Miami in 2025, is expanding its league to eight teams in 2026, and Erica is determined to make her mark. "I'm anxious but ready," she confesses. "I hope my nerves don't get the better of me on my first game."
But here's where it gets controversial... Erica wasn't initially invited to join Unrivaled in 2025, and when the invitation finally came for 2026, she had a point to prove. "They didn't come for me last year, so I was going to play in China," she says. "I had to make them understand: I'm the only active Miami player in the WNBA, and they didn't even consider me?"
However, Unrivaled made an offer she couldn't refuse, and now, Erica is thrilled to be back in Miami. She's no stranger to international courts, having played in countries like Brazil, France, Russia, and Turkey. "It's a blessing to travel the world doing what I love," she says. "Coming from Liberty City, it's a dream come true."
Erica's journey is inspiring, especially considering her mother, Melissa Cooper, raised her and her siblings as a single parent. "She was my inspiration," Erica shares. "Seeing her grind to provide for us, it drove me to succeed. I had to repay her."
And repay she did! Erica has done incredibly well for herself financially, owning two restaurants in Atlanta and investing in real estate. "I've been blessed to maximize my earnings," she says. "I have a great financial team, and I'm not worried about the lack of a Collective Bargaining Agreement. I've got millions put away!"
But it hasn't all been smooth sailing. Erica missed the 2020 season due to COVID and heart complications. She's played with various teams, including the Atlanta Dream, Indiana Fever, and Los Angeles, and even sat on the bench in 2024 to make way for Caitlin Clark's rookie season. "She had an impact on the league like no other," Erica says of Clark. "I was there to support her, and she embraced me like a big sister."
Despite the challenges, Erica believes she has two more years left in her hoops career. "I'm like an old car," she jokes. "I run good when I'm warmed up, but the day after a game, my body aches. But once I'm on the court, I'm a Ferrari!"
So, as Unrivaled 2026 kicks off, keep an eye out for Erica Wheeler and her team, Vinyl. She'll be playing alongside Brittney Griner, a 10-time WNBA All-Star. It's going to be an epic season, and we can't wait to see what Erica and her teammates achieve!
And this is the part most people miss... Unrivaled isn't just about the games; it's about the stories and the journeys of these incredible athletes. So, what do you think? Are you ready to cheer on Erica and her team? Or do you have a different take on her comeback? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
