Sophie Cunningham is setting her sights globally and attempted to bring Caitlin Clark along on this journey. Players from the Indiana Fever revealed on the “Show Me Something” podcast that they will be joining Project B, a new international basketball league launching in November 2026.
This 5-on-5 league is backed by four major tech companies, providing substantial funding and ensuring fairness for athletes. Project B’s season will run concurrently with the WNBA-led Unrivaled, a 3-on-3 league held during the WNBA offseason, which begins its next season on January 5th. Fever players Kelsey Mitchell, Lexi Hull, and Aliyah Boston are already set to participate.
Cunningham mentioned that many might transfer from Unrivaled to Project B, emphasizing that while all leagues are beneficial, having the WNBA platform remains crucial. She confirmed that Mitchell will join Project B and has scouted Clark, who played 13 games in 2025 before a groin injury sidelined her for the rest of the season.
When asked if Clark would join, Cunningham noted that she tried to recruit her, but Clark declined. The league plans to have teams travel to various global locations for short periods with breaks in between, offering first-class travel and accommodations. Stops are expected in Asia, Europe, and the Americas, allowing players time to rest or explore between games.
Cunningham expressed excitement about traveling again, noting she doesn’t want to play year-round due to her body’s limits. She is currently recovering from a season-ending knee injury sustained on August 17th.
Project B will run from November 2026 to April 2027, featuring six teams with 11 players each on an overseas tour. The league is focused on player salaries amidst ongoing WNBA pay negotiations, promising minimum annual pay of $2 million.
Backing for Project B includes Facebook executive Grady Burnett and Skype co-founder Geoff Prentice. Notable WNBA players reportedly signed to Project B include Nneka Ogwumike, Alyssa Thomas, Jonquel Jones, Jewell Lloyd, and Camila Cardoso.
Fan Take: This new international league represents a groundbreaking opportunity for WNBA players, potentially reshaping professional women’s basketball by offering higher salaries and global exposure. For WNBA fans, Project B could elevate the sport’s profile worldwide and spark greater competition and innovation within women’s basketball.
