Key Takeaways
- Project B, a new overseas basketball league, is set to launch with substantial financial incentives, including $2 million annual salaries and equity.
- The signing of WNBA Players Association President Nneka Ogwumike to Project B raises potential conflict of interest concerns and signals a shift in player options.
- New leagues like Project B and Unrivaled are increasing players' professional opportunities and bargaining power, impacting WNBA Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations.
- Concerns are emerging about the rapid proliferation of new leagues potentially fragmenting the talent pool and audience, risking the WNBA's established momentum.
Deep Dive
- Project B is a new league launching November 2026, with a season running until April 2027 across Asia, Europe, and Africa.
- It offers starting salaries of $2 million annually, with multi-year deals potentially reaching tens of millions, plus equity for players.
- Nneka Ogwumike, president of the WNBA Players Association, is the first announced signing, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest.
- Players could earn significantly more than the WNBA maximum, potentially leading some to skip WNBA seasons.
- WNBA prioritization rules and past fines for overseas play during training camp are key points in current CBA renegotiations.
- Some players, such as Emma Meesseman, have reportedly missed WNBA seasons to play internationally.
- Concerns are raised about the rapid growth of new leagues potentially diluting the WNBA's talent pool and jeopardizing its 30-year history.
- The WNBA's established structure and momentum are seen as potentially at risk despite new lucrative opportunities for top stars.
- New leagues like Project B and Unrivaled are providing WNBA players with more professional options beyond the WNBA.
- WNBA Players' Union leadership, including President Nneka Ogwumike, is securing equity in new leagues to increase bargaining power during CBA negotiations.
- This strategy pressures the WNBA to improve player offers and treatment, though concerns exist for mid-tier players.
- The WNBA's role as the premier league is being debated, with arguments for its growth and evolution alongside new financial opportunities.
- Project B is associated with Saudi money, though leaders prefer to characterize it as having a Saudi event partner.
- This distinction is made due to past public criticism of 'sports washing' related to Saudi investment in other sports.
- Concerns exist about the potential for using sports to divert attention from human rights issues.
- Ros Gold-Onwude and Angel McCoughtry made 'Way Too Early' predictions for the Unrivaled season.
- One host favored Team Breeze for their youth and talent in the 3v3 tournament, emphasizing stamina and quick scoring.
- The other predicted The Laces, citing defensive strength and veteran players like Jackie Young and Alyssa Thomas.
- For the 1v1 tournament, Nneka Ogwumike's previous win was noted, alongside analysis of player health and versatile big players.
- 'Tweeners,' or big guards with guard skills and a post player's body, are identified as ideal for 1v1 success, citing Riqua Jackson and Ryan Howard.
- Team Vinyl was predicted to win 'best tunnel fit' due to diverse styles and players like Ryan Howard and D'Erica Hamby.
- The Roses (Chelsea Gray, Lexi Hall) and Team Breeze were named as top contenders for 'best content team.'