Rena Wakama is making waves this offseason. The 33-year-old Chicago Sky assistant coach has been named head coach of Hive Basketball Club (Hive BC) for the upcoming second season of the Unrivaled 3-on-3 league, set to tip off on January 5. This exciting development highlights Wakama’s rapid rise in the world of basketball coaching and marks her first major role outside the WNBA.
Wakama, who also serves as the head coach of the Nigeria Senior Women’s Basketball Team, brings a wealth of experience to Hive BC. A former college player at Western Carolina, she played professionally in her native Nigeria after graduating in 2015 before beginning her coaching career in 2017. Her multifaceted background makes her one of the most intriguing young coaches in women’s basketball today.
In 2025, Wakama joined the Chicago Sky as one of three assistant coaches under head coach Tyler Marsh, alongside Courtney Paris and Tanisha Wright. Despite a challenging season that saw the Sky finish with a 10-34 record—tied for the worst in the WNBA—Wakama’s reputation as a sharp strategist and player developer has continued to grow. Fans and insiders alike are now eager to see how she applies her skills in the fast-paced, high-intensity environment of the Unrivaled league.
Unrivaled, founded in 2025 by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, is expanding its footprint this season to include games in both Philadelphia and Miami. The league’s second season features an impressive coaching roster, including former Seattle Storm head coach Noelle Quinn, New York Liberty assistant coach Zach O’Brien, and former Sky head coach Teresa Weatherspoon. Hive BC is one of two expansion teams, giving Wakama a unique opportunity to shape a squad from the ground up.
“This is an incredible opportunity for me to grow as a coach and work with some of the best talent in women’s basketball,” Wakama said in a statement. “I’m excited to lead Hive BC and bring a competitive, disciplined approach to the court while continuing to learn from my experiences with the Sky and the Nigerian national team.”
The Unrivaled league’s format—a fast-paced, three-on-three competition—offers coaches like Wakama a chance to innovate and test strategies in a condensed, high-stakes environment. For Wakama, it’s not just about wins and losses; it’s about expanding her coaching acumen, building relationships with top players, and preparing for her second season with the Sky in 2026.
With her combination of international experience, professional playing background, and WNBA coaching credentials, Wakama represents the new wave of young, dynamic coaches reshaping women’s basketball. Fans will be watching closely as Hive BC, under her leadership, takes the court in January, ready to make a mark in a rapidly growing league.
Rena Wakama’s journey—from a college standout to professional player, WNBA assistant, national team head coach, and now Unrivaled leader—illustrates her relentless drive and commitment to the sport. This offseason move could well be the stepping stone to an even bigger role in women’s basketball in the years to come.
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