Women’s basketball finds itself at an interesting precipice. For years, only two leagues dominated the landscape: the WNBA and the EuroLeague. Unrivaled has caused some disruption in this space following their inaugural season, but now another player is emerging.
Project B, a global basketball league, is set to launch in 2026. The group behind Project B, led by former Facebook exec Grady Burnett and Skype cofounder Geoff Prentice, is looking to make meaningful change to the landscape of women’s basketball. And per recently revealed details, they’re primed to shake things up.
MORE: WNBA superstar Angel Reese’s surprising Unrivaled decision goes viral
WNBPA President Nneka Ogwunike, who plays for the WNBA’s Seattle Storm, has already signed on. Front Office Sports has revealed that other prominent players have also signed deals. The report goes on to share how much this new league is offering players.
“Those same sources said multiple stars are being offered seven-figure salaries starting at $2 million annually, with their earnings for multiyear deals reaching eight figures. In addition, players will receive equity in the league, similar to Unrivaled.”
Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese goes up for a shot against Seattle Storm’s Nneka Ogwumike. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images
The first iteration of the proposed global league will reportedly run from November 2026 to April 2027. This means that they won’t clash with the W, at least in the early days. However, these salaries and the fact that they’ve signed the WNBPA President to a deal don’t bode well for the WNBA.
There has still been no progress on a new CBA. A lockout looms as a major possibility. The money on the women’s side of the sport will only continue to grow. This growth can only be good for the game, although it’s safe to say that the pressure is on.
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