Full Breakdown
Winter Basketball Leagues Battle for WNBA Stars
6/24/2026, 10:22:53 AM
The Core Showdown
Unrivaled and Project B, two newly-launched winter leagues, are competing for the same pool of elite WNBA talent. Both schedule games during the WNBA offseason, making simultaneous participation impossible. The rivalry intensified when 2025 “Future of Unrivaled” prospects Flau’jae Johnson and Azzi Fudd chose opposite paths—Johnson will join Unrivaled in 2027, while Fudd signed with Project B in 2024.
Origins of Off-Season Play
Historically, WNBA players supplemented modest salaries by playing overseas. The 2025 launch of Unrivaled, backed by investors such as Carmelo Anthony and Dawn Staley, introduced six-figure guaranteed contracts and equity stakes. Project B entered the market a year later, promising salaries around $2 million annually—$600 k above the WNBA supermax.
League Leaders and Player Commitments
Unrivaled, founded by former Facebook executive Grady Burnett and Skype co-founder Geoff Prentice, has locked over 90 % of its 54-player roster for the 2027 season, including multiyear deals with Paige Bueckers, Gabby Williams, and rookie favorite Olivia Miles. Project B, led by chief basketball officer Alana Beard (two-time Defensive Player of the Year), announced 15 inaugural players such as Nneka Ogwumike, Jonquel Jones, Alyssa Thomas, and international stars Kamilla Cardoso (Brazil), Awa Fam (Spain), and Leonie Fiebich (Germany).
Key Dates and Roster Moves
- 2025: Unrivaled’s inaugural season; average salary $220 k.
- Early 2026: Project B reveals $2 M salary offers; signs Azzi Fudd and Kelsey Mitchell.
- June 2026: Unrivaled confirms 90 % of 2027 roster; Project B announces six-city global tour.
- Late 2026: WNBA CBA raises minimum salary to $270 k; over 30 players earn seven-figure contracts.
Financial Stakes and Player Incentives
Unrivaled guarantees six-figure salaries, averages $220 k, and offers equity—college players Johnson and Bueckers received equity in their NIL deals. Project B’s $2 M contracts include signing bonuses and equity, positioning the league as a “no-brainer” for top talent. Both leagues also promise limited travel: Unrivaled’s games are largely Miami-based, while Project B plans six stops across Asia, Europe, and the Americas using a Formula One-style activation model.
Implications for the WNBA
The competition could reshape offseason earnings, reduce reliance on traditional overseas contracts, and pressure the WNBA to extend its calendar. Under the new CBA, the league may run into late November, further shrinking the window for external leagues.
Official Statements
Project B spokesperson emphasized a commitment to quality and FIBA obligations. Unrivaled co-founder Alex Bazzell disclosed early outreach to the WNBA for investment, which was declined. WNBA legend Swin Cash described Project B as “ahead of the curve.”
Player Concerns
Kelsey Mitchell warned that overseas stints can erode skill development, while Sophie Cunningham highlighted the appeal of high salaries combined with equity.
Conflicting Funding Reports
A February 2025 Financial Times report linked Project B to Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund; the league later denied Saudi backing and confirmed the termination of its relationship with Saudi events firm Sela.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are focused on the highest quality of play and ensuring our players can uphold their commitments in the W and with FIBA,” — Project B spokesperson
- “I feel like sometimes when you go overseas, you lose sight on some of the perfecting of the skills that you miss out on just because you’re going to try to make a couple dollars,” — Kelsey Mitchell, Indiana Fever media day
- “When they’re offering that type of money, plus the signing bonus, plus having equity in the company, it’s a no-brainer,” — Sophie Cunningham, Project B signee
- “ahead of the curve” — Swin Cash, WNBA legend and investor
Future Outlook
Project B will finalize its six-city tour schedule and continue recruiting, while Unrivaled aims to expand its media partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery and explore additional tour stops. The WNBA’s extended calendar and rising player salaries will determine which league ultimately secures the sport’s biggest stars.
