A New Challenger Enters the Arena

Just as the Las Vegas Aces celebrated their third WNBA championship in four seasons, led by the unstoppable A’ja Wilson, a new story is developing that could reshape the future of women’s professional basketball. While the WNBA is riding a wave of unprecedented popularity, internal friction over the upcoming collective bargaining agreement (CBA) and player-leadership disputes have created a tense atmosphere. Now, an external force with seemingly unlimited resources is preparing to enter the scene, threatening to give the WNBA a serious run for its money.

Saudi-Backed “Project B” Looms Large

A new Saudi-backed league, currently titled “Project B,” is reportedly gearing up to launch, and it has the potential to cause major disruption. This global league is not just a concept; it comes with a roster of high-profile investors and advisors, including WNBA legend Candace Parker, former NFL star Steve Young, and tennis icons Novak Djokovic & Sloane Stephens. It has already made a significant move by appointing former WNBA star Alana Beard as its Chief Basketball Officer.

This new league is projected to begin next fall, running from November to April. While its schedule is designed not to overlap with the WNBA season, it will directly compete with “Unrivaled,” the league founded by WNBA star Napheesa Collier, which just completed a successful first season. The arrival of a financial powerhouse has led fans to speculate on the future of Collier’s league. As one fan bluntly put it, “Looks like Unrivaled will have to drop ‘Un’ from its name.”

The LIV Golf Effect on Women’s Basketball

The primary concern for the WNBA is the financial power that Project B brings to the table, a situation reminiscent of how LIV Golf challenged the PGA Tour. Player salaries have long been a point of contention in the WNBA, and with CBA talks looming, the issue is more critical than ever. The oil-rich Saudi backing behind Project B means that, as rapper Jermaine Dupri once said, “Money Ain’t A Thing.”

This financial might could be used to lure away the WNBA’s biggest stars. Imagine a scenario where the league offers a staggering contract to its most valuable assets. What if Caitlin Clark was offered a “$100million“contract,orifAngelReesereceiveda“$50 million” deal per season? Such offers would likely come with exclusivity clauses, pulling two of the sport’s biggest draws away from the WNBA entirely. Fan commentary reflects this anxiety and speculation. “Caitlin is the ONLY player that would draw international crowds. $100M contract for her to be the Headliner!!!” one person commented.

The potential fallout for the WNBA could be catastrophic. Another fan worried, “So if Clark does this the W will go back to flying commercial and staying in motel 6s. If not folding all together eventually.” The parallel to golf is not lost on observers. “They ruined the PGA by paying golfers money some would have never made in their life. Now they’re giving basketball a shot. Pretty sure like golf, there’s probably lots of takers lining up,” a fan noted.

What to Expect from the New League

According to a report from Sam Amick of “The Athletic,” Project B has been in development for two years. The plan is to launch with six teams, each with 11 players. These teams would compete in a series of seven two-week tournaments held in major cities across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The league’s founders are aiming to capitalize on the explosive growth and global interest in women’s basketball that has been building over the past few seasons.

As the WNBA navigates its internal challenges and celebrates its current success, it must now also contend with a well-funded, well-connected, and ambitious new rival. The emergence of Project B is more than just another league; it represents a potential paradigm shift in women’s professional sports, one where financial offers could reach unprecedented heights and the loyalty of star players will be put to the ultimate test. The next few months will be crucial in determining how the established order of women’s basketball responds to this powerful new player on the global stage.