Project B is slowly unveiling more WNBA names for the league's inaugural season, which starts in January 2027.
On Thursday, the global basketball organization announced six more athletes who plan to play. The latest wave includes 2024 WNBA champion Betnijah Laney-Hamilton and the No. 9 pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft Angela Dugalić (Washington Mystics), four-time all-star Brionna Jones (Atlanta Dream) and former Florida State standout Makayla Timpson (Indiana Fever). The list also includes two-time FIBA Women’s EuroBasket champion Antonia Delaere (Minnesota Lynx) and two-time Olympic medalist Valériane Ayayi (Phoenix Mercury).
“I’ve always believed in competing with purpose and being part of something bigger than yourself," Laney-Hamilton said in a release.
"What excites me about Project B is the chance to compete with some of the best players from around the world while also having a real voice in what we’re building. It’s an opportunity to help shape something new for the game, and I’m excited to be part of it from the beginning."
The six bring Project B's list of WNBA players to 22 as the league approaches training camp in Seoul, Korea, from Jan. 6-12, 2027.
Other WNBA players who have signed with Project B include Azzi Fudd and Alanna Smith of the Dallas Wings, Alyssa Thomas of the Mercury, Awa Fam of the Seattle Storm, Jewell Loyd of the Las Vegas Aces, Jonquel Jones of the New York Liberty, Kamilla Cardoso of the Chicago Sky, Nneka Ogwumike of the Los Angeles Sparks and Kelsey Mitchell and Sophie Cunningham of the Fever.
“Project B is bringing together incredible players from around the world and creating something that gives us a real opportunity to help shape what comes next," Jones said. "I’m excited by the level of competition, but also by the chance for players to have a meaningful voice and stake in what we’re building. I’m looking forward to being part of it from the beginning."
The concept for Project B is to have two separate leagues ― men and women ― with six teams, each with 11 players. Those teams will compete in a global circuit slated to kick off in Jan. 2027 and run through April 2027. Each city will host a 10-day event, crowning a city champion, and those victories will count towards a season-long championship. To date, Project B has revealed it will play in Tokyo, Japan and Valencia, Spain.
Every athlete who plays in Project B is expected to have equity in the league. Project B hasn’t disclosed any salaries yet, but a league spokesperson previously told USA TODAY Sports they are “higher than anything you’ve ever seen in women’s sports."
Project B has a host of investors in the league, including women’s basketball legends Cheryl Miller, Candace Parker and Lauren Jackson and NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young. Additionally, the league has secured Host Broadcast Services (HBS) to be the official broadcaster for the league’s inaugural circuit. HBS has broadcast the FIFA World Cup since 2002. The games will stream live on YouTube.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Project B league signs more WNBA players, surpassing 20-name milestone
