The conversation surrounding salaries has been ongoing in the WNBA for some time now. However, this year, those debates have turned extremely heated, with a new collective bargaining agreement hanging in the balance. So far, there has been no clear indication of a resolution between the two parties.
Moreover, with extensions becoming necessary as they remain at a standstill, the problems are only going to amplify for the league as more players speak out against them. But their problems are about to get a whole lot worse with the arrival of another women’s basketball league by the name of Project B.
Everything to Know About Project B
So far, the EuroLeague, the WNBA, and Unrivaled were the three major women’s basketball leagues across the country, with United Athletes serving as a distant fourth. However, the arrival of Project B could shake up every one of those leagues.
Most notably, though, the blow has come to the W, especially as the publicly drawn-out battle between its management and players continues to escalate. With tensions running high, the emergence of Project B could become the ultimate catalyst for change.
This league, which promises to be a truly global affair, has announced plans to host tournaments across Asia, Europe, and Latin America beginning in November of 2026, with an estimated five months of competition.
However, the WNBA faces two-fold problems when it comes to this new league. Founded by former Facebook executive Grady Burnett and Skype cofounder Geoff Prentice, it has the financial backing to remain relevant while offering top-of-the-market salaries.
As Front Office Sports reported, multiple stars were offered seven-figure salaries worth $2 million or higher, with some multi-year deals even crossing the eight-figure threshold. By comparison, the current supermax in the WNBA is a paltry $249,244.
Additionally, similar to Unrivaled, players will also receive an equity stake in the league. For the time being, the bigger threat from Project B could come to other leagues that operate during the months this new league plans to be active.
However, the indirect threat of players receiving a higher share of revenues and salaries could pose a challenge to the WNBA. To make matters worse, the biggest bomb was dropped in the form of Nneka Ogwumike becoming the first player to be signed to the league.
The current WNBPA president is expected to play a significant role in the CBA negotiations, which could exacerbate the situation for the W. With other unnamed stars also signing contracts with the new league, we are at the precipice of a slippery slope.
Whether this becomes a turning point and a catalyst for the WNBA to acquiesce to the players’ demands, or a continuation of the current regime, will be interesting to see, especially with the next deadline for CBA negotiations scheduled for November 30.
