What's Happening?
Alyssa Thomas, a WNBA MVP finalist, has announced her decision to join Project B, a new women's basketball league set to launch in Europe and Asia in November 2026. This move makes her the second player
to join the league, following Nneka Ogwumike. Project B aims to offer players higher salaries and equity stakes, positioning itself as a competitive alternative to existing leagues. Thomas, who recently led the Phoenix Mercury to the WNBA Finals, is known for her leadership and competitiveness. The league plans to feature 66 players across six teams, with salaries expected to surpass those currently offered by the WNBA.
Why It's Important?
The establishment of Project B represents a significant development in women's professional basketball, offering players potentially more lucrative compensation and ownership opportunities. This comes at a time when the WNBA and its players' union are engaged in negotiations over a new collective bargaining agreement, with salary and revenue sharing as key issues. The emergence of Project B could influence these negotiations by providing players with alternative options, potentially reshaping the landscape of women's basketball and increasing the sport's global reach.
What's Next?
Project B is set to begin its inaugural season in November 2026, running through April 2027, which will not conflict with the WNBA schedule. As the league prepares for its launch, it will likely continue to attract top talent, potentially impacting player negotiations and team dynamics within the WNBA. The success of Project B could lead to further expansion and investment in women's sports, encouraging other leagues to enhance their offerings to retain top players.
