Full Breakdown
Project B: A New Era for International Basketball
10/10/2025, 5:22:34 PM
Overview of Project B
Project B is an ambitious international basketball league set to launch in the fall of 2026, featuring both men's and women's competitions. The league aims to revolutionize the basketball landscape by offering equity stakes to players, thereby positioning them as partners rather than mere employees. Co-founded by former Facebook executive Grady Burnett and Skype co-founder Geoffrey Prentice, Project B has garnered significant attention and investment from high-profile athletes and investors, including Candace Parker, Novak Djokovic, and Steve Young.
Structure and Operations
Project B plans to operate on a global scale, with tournaments scheduled across Asia, Europe, and Latin America. The league will consist of six teams, each with 11 players, competing in seven two-week tournaments from November through April. This schedule is designed to avoid conflicts with the WNBA season, allowing for greater participation from top female athletes. The league's headquarters will be in Singapore, and it is backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, which has previously invested in other sports ventures.
Financial Model and Player Empowerment
The league's financial model is centered around offering unprecedented salaries and equity ownership to its players. Burnett has stated that the compensation will be "multiples higher" than current WNBA standards, aiming to attract elite talent from around the world. This approach is seen as a transformative model for women's sports, with Burnett emphasizing the growth potential in this area. "The growth in women's sports rivals anything in AI right now," he remarked.
Key Figures and Support
Prominent figures involved in Project B include former WNBA star Alana Beard, who serves as the league's chief basketball officer, and Australian basketball legend Lauren Jackson, who has joined as an advisor. The league has also attracted interest from various investment firms, including Mangrove Capital and Quiet Capital. Despite initial speculation, Maverick Carter, LeBron James' business partner, is no longer associated with the project, having stepped away several months ago.
Criticism and Concerns
While Project B has generated excitement, it has also faced scrutiny, particularly regarding the involvement of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. Critics have labeled this as "sportswashing," suggesting that the league's financial backing is an attempt to improve the kingdom's global image amid ongoing human rights concerns. This aspect raises questions about the ethical implications of such investments in sports.
Future Prospects
As Project B prepares for its launch, the league's success will depend on its ability to attract elite players and maintain fan interest globally. The potential for competition with established leagues like the NBA and WNBA is significant, especially given the financial resources at its disposal. If successful, Project B could reshape the economics of professional basketball, much like LIV Golf has done in the golfing world.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I think it’s natural to assume that we will do other things after that.” — Grady Burnett, Co-founder
- “I've seen firsthand how far the women's game has come and how much further it can go when players are empowered, supported, and celebrated. This is about more than basketball, it's about building something lasting for the next generation.” — Lauren Jackson, Advisor
- “The growth in women's sports rivals anything in AI right now,” — Grady Burnett, Co-founder
- “Burnett added, “We want this to be incredible basketball.” — Grady Burnett, Co-founder
Project B represents a significant shift in the global basketball landscape, with the potential to empower athletes and redefine the structure of professional sports. As the league moves toward its launch, its impact on the basketball community and beyond will be closely monitored.
