A New Women's Basketball League Is Launching In 2026. And It Means Business.

Amidst the ongoing negotiations between the WNBA and its athletes, a new player has emerged, potentially changing the landscape of women’s basketball as we know it.

On Thursday, Annie Costabile of Front Office Sports reported that a venture called Project B is set to launch in November 2026. Described as “a new global basketball league,” Project B will be staging tournaments in Asia, Europe, and Latin America all the way till April 2027.

This isn’t a pipe dream for female hoopers; this is a full-blown, all-systems-go organization that has already announced Seattle Storm star Nneka Ogwumike as its first signing. According to Costabile’s sources, other unnamed WNBA players have also signed to compete in this new league.

“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,” Costabile added. “In addition, players will receive equity in the league, similar to Unrivaled.”

The issue of compensation, of course, has long been a hot button topic for WNBA players. Months of CBA negotiations with the WNBA have thus far resulted in no clear resolution, and one of the sticking points in these talks has been pay structure. In addition to higher salaries, the Women’s National Basketball Player’s Association (WNBPA) has been calling for improved revenue sharing, given the WNBA’s financial growth in recent years.

Just as Costabile alluded to, startup leagues like Unrivaled have given WNBA players a fresh platform to increase their earnings and enjoy more perks. Now, Project B is said to have offered salaries worth at least $2 million per year to “multiple stars”; reportedly, they can make up to eight figures from multiyear deals.

Founded by ex-Facebook executive Grady Burnett and Skype co-founder Geoff Prentice, Project B has attracted a star-studded list of investors. This list includes WNBA icons Candace Parker and Lauren Jackson; tennis greats Novak Djokovic and Sloane Stephens have also chipped in.

Does all of this pose a threat to the WNBA? It remains to be seen whether Project B can grow to the point of completely luring players away from the United States’ premier women’s basketball league. But, given all the big names associated and the reports of significantly larger salaries, one thing is for sure: Project B means business.