Star athlete Sophie Cunningham is set to join Project B, a new basketball league launching in the fall of 2026 that will showcase both men’s and women’s basketball. This development comes amid ongoing debates and tensions around the WNBA Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations. Alongside Cunningham, notable WNBA players such as Kelsey Mitchell, Alyssa Thomas, Nneka Ogwumike, and Jonquel Jones have committed to participate, along with additional female players like Camila Cardoso, Jewel Lloyd, Janelle Saraun, and Li Meng.
Cunningham expressed excitement about joining Project B on social media, referencing a playful phrase about unlimited Arby’s for life. The Indiana Fever star has been outspoken during the WNBA’s CBA discussions, highlighting the lack of progress until a new agreement is reached.
While Cunningham’s exact salary with Project B hasn’t been disclosed, reports suggest the league is drawing attention by offering contracts exceeding $2 million annually—significantly higher than the WNBA’s 2024 maximum salary, which is under $300,000. The current WNBA CBA, set to expire at the end of November 2025, is still under negotiation, with proposed salary increases aiming to raise the cap to over $1 million. Project B’s season, set from November 2026 to April 2027, will not overlap with the WNBA schedule.
This news is crucial for WNBA fans because it highlights the growing financial disparities and the desire among top players for better compensation and conditions. Project B’s emergence could pressure the WNBA to improve its CBA terms, potentially leading to greater growth and recognition for women’s basketball.
