Full Breakdown
The Emergence of Project B: A New Era for Women's Basketball
11/14/2025, 2:21:37 PM
Overview of Project B
Project B is a new women's basketball league set to launch its inaugural season from November 2026 through April 2027. Founded by former Facebook executive Grady Burnett and Skype co-founder Geoff Prentice, the league aims to capitalize on the growing popularity of women's basketball by offering players higher salaries and equity stakes, a significant departure from the current structures in leagues like the WNBA. The league will feature six teams of 11 players each, competing in seven two-week tournaments across Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
Key Player Signings
The league has already secured commitments from prominent WNBA players, including Nneka Ogwumike and Alyssa Thomas. Ogwumike, a ten-time WNBA All-Star, expressed her excitement about the equity opportunities Project B offers, stating, “For there to be an entry level of equity across the board was eye-catching.” Thomas, another six-time All-Star, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing her desire to chase purpose and contribute to the future of women's basketball. Both players are taking on partnership roles within the league, indicating a shift towards player empowerment.
Financial Implications and Structure
Project B is designed to provide competitive salaries, reportedly starting at around $2 million per season, significantly higher than what the WNBA currently offers. The league's funding comes from elite venture capitalists and tech investors, including Mangrove Capital and Quiet Capital, rather than from foreign government backing, despite initial speculation regarding Saudi involvement. This financial model aims to attract top talent and create a sustainable ecosystem for women's basketball.
Criticism and Concerns
Despite its ambitious goals, Project B faces skepticism. Critics argue that the league's emergence could disrupt the existing women's basketball landscape, particularly the WNBA, which has been the primary platform for elite female athletes. Concerns have been raised about the potential scattering of talent across multiple leagues, which could dilute the competitive nature of women's basketball. Some WNBA executives view the signings of Ogwumike and Thomas as strategic moves that may pressure the WNBA during ongoing collective bargaining negotiations.
The Broader Landscape of Women's Basketball
Project B is not the only new league on the horizon. Unrivaled, co-founded by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, also aims to provide players with better financial opportunities and has already gained traction. Both leagues share the goal of improving player compensation and visibility, but they differ in their operational approaches and structures. While Unrivaled focuses on a U.S.-based competition, Project B seeks to expand the global reach of women's basketball.
Official Statements & Responses
Project B's organizers have emphasized their commitment to creating a complementary league rather than a direct competitor to the WNBA. They assert that their season will not overlap with the WNBA's, allowing players to participate in both leagues. However, the ongoing CBA negotiations within the WNBA have created a tense atmosphere, prompting players to explore alternatives like Project B.
What's Next for Women's Basketball?
As Project B prepares for its launch, the future of women's basketball remains uncertain. The league's success could hinge on its ability to attract more top-tier talent and maintain a sustainable model that benefits players. With multiple leagues vying for attention and resources, the landscape of women's professional basketball is poised for significant change, potentially reshaping the sport for years to come.
