As negotiations over the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) continue ahead of the November 30 deadline, WNBA players are preparing for their offseason commitments amid rising tensions. One notable development is the emergence of Project B, a new women’s professional basketball league set to launch in late 2026, which has already begun signing top players.
The WNBA and its players union must reach a deal, extend talks, or enter a status quo period by Sunday to avoid work disruptions. The main sticking point remains the salary and profit-sharing structure. The league has proposed a maximum annual salary around $1.1 million, including a base salary and revenue sharing, but the players’ union has not found the offer acceptable, leaving the possibility of a work stoppage open. Players continue to push their priorities, including fair compensation and flexible contract options.
Isabelle Harrison, a veteran who has played a full season in Athletes Unlimited Basketball, highlighted the players’ leverage, saying they control whether the league profits or not. Many players participate in offseason leagues abroad or in new ventures like Unrivaled and Athletes Unlimited Basketball, which attract over 77 players with WNBA experience for upcoming seasons.
Several WNBPA executives also have stakes in these alternative leagues. Nneka Ogwumike, the WNBPA president, was the first to sign with Project B, a global 5-on-5 league founded by tech entrepreneurs aiming for a 2026 launch. Brianna Stewart and Nafeesa Collier, co-founders of the 3-on-3 Unrivaled League, serve as vice presidents of the WNBPA. Other players like Harrison also hold positions in these leagues, providing additional offseason opportunities beyond overseas play.
The 2020 CBA introduced a “priority” clause requiring players to prioritize WNBA commitments, but rumors this summer suggested the league might seek to bar players entirely from other leagues. This conflict intensified with Project B’s launch, which has already signed nine WNBA players and plans a 66-player, six-team league running November through April, aligning with the WNBA offseason.
The new leagues, including Unrivaled and Athletes Unlimited (AU), continue to grow, offering competitive pay, stakes in the business, and year-round play at home. Unrivaled, expanding to eight teams, will start its 2026 season in January, while AU begins in February with a fantasy sports format and ESPN coverage. AU recently signed standout Tina Charles, the WNBA’s all-time leading rebounder.
Players emphasize the importance of staying connected with fans and the basketball community during the long WNBA offseason. AU has been praised for its professionalism, player support—including childcare—and fostering talent that has achieved success in the WNBA. For many, these leagues provide crucial development and visibility, with players crediting AU for opening doors to WNBA opportunities.
As negotiations continue, players stress that their involvement in alternative leagues is about staying relevant and growing the sport. They hope the WNBA recognizes this and supports investments that align with players’ interests for mutual growth.
Fan Take: This ongoing negotiation and the rise of new offseason leagues signify a pivotal moment for women’s basketball, emphasizing players’ desire for fair pay and autonomy. For WNBA fans, this could mean a stronger, more competitive sport year-round, with players thriving both domestically and internationally, ultimately elevating the game’s profile and appeal.
