Full Breakdown
Azzi Fudd Joins Project B, Redefining Off-Season Play for Women’s Basketball
6/20/2026, 2:24:12 AM
Azzi Fudd Joins Project B
On Friday, Azzi Fudd, the No. 1 pick in the 2026 WNBA draft and Dallas Wings guard, announced via Instagram she will play in Project B during the WNBA offseason, opting out of the 3-on-3 circuit Unrivaled.
Project B’s Global Vision and Structure
Project B, launched in 2023 by former Facebook executive Grady Burnett and Geoff Prentice, proposes a circuit of six teams (11 players each) competing in seven tournaments Nov 2026–Apr 2027. Tokyo and Valencia are confirmed hosts; Host Broadcast Services will produce events.
Leadership, Investors, and Player Cohort
Leadership includes COO Grady Burnett, Geoff Prentice, CFO Aaron Fischer, and Alana Beard. Advisors are Maverick Carter and Miško Ražnatovic. Investors are Cheryl Miller, Candace Parker, Lauren Jackson, and Steve Young. Player sign-ups include Nneka Ogwumike, Alyssa Thomas, Jonquel Jones, Jewell Loyd, Kelsey Mitchell, Sophie Cunningham, Allana Smith, Kamilla Cardoso, and rookie Awa Fam.
League Scale and Compensation Data
Project B fields six teams of 11 players (66 athletes) in seven tournaments. It promises women’s salaries above any WNBA contract; Fudd’s WNBA salary is $500,000. Fudd averaged 12.7 points on 50.7 % shooting, with 1.4 assists and 1.5 steals per game.
League Narrative and Player Remarks
Project B executives say the league puts athletes on a global stage, connects fans worldwide, and offers equity. They assert women’s salaries will surpass any WNBA deal. Fudd emphasized the voluntary nature of participation, and Beard called the signing a league milestone.
Scheduling Conflict and Funding Concerns
Analysts note Fudd’s move creates a scheduling clash with Unrivaled, the 3-on-3 offseason league founded by former UConn teammates Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, siphoning talent and viewership. Reports linked Project B to Saudi investment; the league denies any Saudi Public Investment Fund financing or partnership with Sela.
Discrepancies in Funding and Launch Timeline
Bloomberg cited a $5 billion target for Project B, but Burnett called that figure “a little high” and declined to disclose proceeds. Launch dates differ: some outlets report a December 2026 start, others a January 2027 debut. Precise women’s salary amounts and the full list of host cities beyond Tokyo and Valencia remain undisclosed.
Direct Quotes
- “It’s putting athletes on a global stage, connecting with fans in all parts of the world,” — Grady Burnett, Co-founder & COO, Project B
- “What’s incredible now is that players have that option — they can go if they want, they don’t have to, they can stay if they want. It’s not forced,” — Azzi Fudd, Dallas Wings guard
- “The fact that Azzi decided to join Project B was one of the most phenomenal experiences of this process.” — Alana Beard, Chief Basketball Officer, Project B
- “Women’s players will receive larger salaries than those currently offered by the WNBA.” — Project B spokesperson
Future Schedule and Potential Impact
Project B’s inaugural circuit is slated to begin in December 2026 (January 2027 per some reports) with the first city event in Tokyo, followed by Valencia and other locations yet to be announced. The league’s format and compensation could reshape offseason options for WNBA players and intensify competition with Unrivaled.
