Project B has already landed some of the WNBA’s biggest stars, but Caitlin Clark is yet to be coaxed in — even if there is serious money at stake.
Expected to tip off in Europe, Asia and Latin America in November 2026, the international women’s basketball start up will include six teams that compete in a traditional 5-on-5 format.
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It has picked up steam as the WNBA hurtles toward a potential lockout, or strike, over a new CBA.
While the future of the established league hangs in the balance, Project B is adding big names to its roster.
How many names have already signed up for Project B?
So far, 11 stars have signed up to be ‘players, partners and owners’ — including the likes of Alyssa Thomas, Jonquel Jones and Nneka Ogwumike.
Indiana Fever stars Kelsey Mitchell and Sophie Cunningham have also joined Project B.
Founded by former Facebook executive Grady Burnett and Skype co-founder Geoff Prentice, the league is reportedly set to offer seven-figure salaries, starting at $2 million annually, to its stars.
Earnings for multiyear deals could reach eight figures, and players will also receive equity in the league, according to Front Office Sports.
Speaking on her podcast, Cunningham confirmed that there is serious cash at stake for anyone who joins Project B, but noted it will still need an audience to be successful.
“This one offers a lot, a lot, a lot, a lot of money,” Cunningham, who recently suffered a gaffe on the golf course, said on the Friday 5 December episode of Show Me Something.
“And that’s why people are moving towards this.
“It’s completely different (to Unrivaled). Here’s the thing: All these leagues are great. But if you don’t have the W, you don’t have the platform.
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“You don’t have the eyes, you don’t have the recognition.”
Sophie Cunningham reveals Project B pitch to Caitlin Clark
Of course, there is no one in the WNBA that matches the star power of Clark.
But the biggest draw in basketball has yet to commit to any other league — even if her teammate has made a case for the latest start up.
Cunningham revealed: “I tried to get her to play in this one, and she was like, ‘No!'”
Clark, who entered the WNBA as the first overall pick in 2024, also turned down a chance to play Unrivaled last year.
She has remained quiet during the offseason once again, as she looks to bounce back from an injury-plagued sophomore season.
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talkSPORT reacts….. Pressure increases on WNBA
Sophie Cunningham has chosen her moment at an opportune time, as the WNBA and their players seem no closer to a CBA resolution.
With the deadline now extended to January 9, Kelsey Plum intimated in an interview with Front Office Sports that the talks had barely gotten beyond the first stage as far as the players are concerned.
So Cunningham suggesting a huge Project B offer to Caitlin Clark feels like another calculated media move by a group of players determined to get their true value.
There is perhaps no other league on the planet – in any sport – that has exploded quite like the W and the players have every right to crank up the pressure.
In contrast to the WBNA, the Unrivalled and Project B leagues are stumping up the cash, but as Cunningham points out none of this works ‘without the W.’
However the W doesn’t work without it’s players – so it’s time to pay up, they’ve earned it, they deserve it.
Paul Prenderville, US Sports Editor
The 23-year-old played just 13 times for the Fever in the regular season, and watched from the sidelines as Indiana made a deep playoff run.
Despite sitting on the bench as she recovered from several soft tissue injuries, Clark still took home some serious money.
Caitlin Clark named in top 10 highest-paid female athletes of 2025
According to Sportico, the WNBA star earned $16m this year, with most of that coming from her endorsements.
Clark made $11m in 2024.
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She is the only basketball player who made the top 10 list this time around, which is dominated by tennis stars and topped by Coco Gauff ($31m).
Project B is offering big salaries to everyone who signs up, meaning if she joined, Clark would further establish herself as one of the highest-paid stars in women’s sports.
But if the WNBPA is successful in negotiating a fairer deal, the Fever star and all of her colleagues will be able to base their offseason exploits on sporting merit alone.
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