Story perspectives

Azzi Fudd signs $500K for new Project B league

6/20/2026

Summary

Fudd Joins Project B

Azzi Fudd, the Dallas Wings' No. 1 2026 pick, announced on June 19 2026 she will play the offseason in Project B, signing a $500,000 deal that exceeds WNBA offers.
Project B is a women’s league launching in December 2026 with six 11-player teams and a season from November 2026 to April 2027.
The league will hold seven tournaments, including events in Tokyo (Mar 25-Apr 4 2027) and Valencia, Spain.
Project B has also signed Nneka Ogwumike, Alyssa Thomas, Jonquel Jones, Jewell Loyd, Kelsey Mitchell and Awa Fam.

Summary

Project B Launches

Project B will launch January grand-prix-style basketball events in six cities featuring debuting men’s and women’s squads.
Former Facebook executive and Skype co-founder are among Project B’s founders, with Maverick Carter of LeBron James’ team serving as advisor.
The league’s asset-light model pays underutilized arenas to host the events, avoiding venue-ownership costs.
Athletes receive equity in Project B, mirroring the player-ownership model used by the 3-on-3 Unrivaled circuit.

History

Historical Context

Title IX boosted college play, and the Women's Professional Basketball League debuted in 1978 as the first U.S. fully professional women’s league, fielding the Dallas Diamonds with a $1.2 million budget and $5,000 player salaries before folding in 1981. Project B—supported by a Facebook executive, a Skype co-founder and LeBron James adviser Maverick Carter—uses an asset-light venue model to avoid the WBL’s financial pitfalls.

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Fudd Joins Project B

Azzi Fudd, the Dallas Wings' No. 1 2026 pick, announced on June 19 2026 she will play the offseason in Project B, signing a $500,000 deal that exceeds WNBA offers.
Project B is a women’s league launching in December 2026 with six 11-player teams and a season from November 2026 to April 2027.
The league will hold seven tournaments, including events in Tokyo (Mar 25-Apr 4 2027) and Valencia, Spain.
Project B has also signed Nneka Ogwumike, Alyssa Thomas, Jonquel Jones, Jewell Loyd, Kelsey Mitchell and Awa Fam.

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