Nneka Ogwumike Becomes First Player to Join Project B Women’s Basketball League

Nneka Ogwumike is the first athlete to sign with Project B, a groundbreaking women’s basketball startup league set to launch in November 2026 across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The league, created by former Facebook executive Grady Burnett and Skype co-founder Geoff Prentice, aims to redefine the economics, visibility, and global reach of women’s basketball.

Ogwumike’s signing will mark a historic moment for the league and women’s sports. The former WNBA MVP, known for her leadership both on and off the court, has become the face of a league that aims to improve compensation, infrastructure, and player empowerment drastically.

A New Model: Salaries Starting at $2 Million + Equity Stakes

Project B is on the verge of becoming the most lucrative women’s basketball league in the world. Front Office Sports has predicted that player deals will exceed seven figures, with an average annual value of $2 million, far surpassing the earnings of other women’s leagues.

• WNBA average salary: ~$102,249

• Unrivaled (planned four-month U.S. league): ~$220,000

• Project B: Starting at $2,000,000+ per season

Project B players will be given equity stakes in addition to significantly higher salaries, which is a first-of-its-kind model in professional basketball. Six teams will compete in a high-profile traveling circuit across major global cities, each with 11 players, as part of the league.

An F1-Inspired Global Circuit

Project B’s format reflects global sports phenomena, such as Formula 1, tennis, and golf, in an ambitious, innovative, and intentional way. Alana Beard, the chief basketball officer and former WNBA star, has proposed a vision that combines competitive excellence with global entertainment value.

“We want premiere cities and our goal is to create an F1-style TV event. There’s a tournament in each city and at the end of each tournament there is going to be a champion, and that all leads up to us potentially crowning the champion of the world.”

Project B will operate like a world tour, with teams visiting major markets for short, high-impact tournaments rather than a traditional season. Each stop will determine a winner, culminating in a final global championship. The league plans to stream games to increase its reach and attract an international audience.

Ogwumike’s Influence Extends Beyond the Court

Nneka Ogwumike has been a highly regarded and influential figure in women’s basketball for many years. As the president of the WNBPA, she is currently leading players through negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement with the WNBA. The ongoing CBA discussions are focused on key issues:

• Compensation and revenue sharing

• Player safety

• Facilities and travel conditions

The CBA — originally set to expire Oct. 31 — is being extended for 30 days as both sides continue negotiations. Ogwumike’s decision to join Project B highlights the pressure players face to improve their financial earnings and overall treatment in professional basketball. The message that athletes now have options, leverage, and a global stage to perform on their terms is sent by her presence in the new league.

A Turning Point for Women’s Basketball

Project B’s entry into the sports arena coincides with the explosive growth of women’s basketball.

• Record-breaking WNBA viewership

• Rising NIL stars transitioning to the pros

• Massive global fan engagement

Project B’s goal is to speed up that momentum with a seven-figure salary structure and a global touring circuit, and Ogwumike is leading the charge. Her decision establishes Project B as a legitimate competitor in the professional basketball landscape. It signals a new era where elite women athletes can earn what they deserve while having a direct stake in their league’s success.