WNBA Star's Bold Move Could Reshape Women's Basketball Forever
Dallas, Sunday, 21 June 2026.
Azzi Fudd, the WNBA’s top 2026 draft pick, has joined Project B, a new international league aiming to create a billion-dollar global market. Backed by NBA star Stephen Curry and high-profile investors, this move challenges the WNBA and Unrivaled, offering million-dollar salaries and global exposure. Analysts say it could force existing leagues to adapt, signaling a seismic shift in women’s sports economics.
The Groundbreaking Decision That Shook Women’s Basketball
On 18 June 2026, Azzi Fudd, the Dallas Wings’ top pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, made a historic decision that sent shockwaves through the sports world. The 21-year-old phenom announced she would join Project B, a new international basketball league aiming to create a billion-dollar global market for women’s basketball [1][2]. This move marks the first time a top WNBA draft pick has opted to play in an alternative league during the off-season, bypassing established options like Unrivaled, the 3-on-3 league founded by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier [3]. Fudd’s decision represents more than just a personal career choice—it signals a potential paradigm shift in the economics of women’s professional basketball.
Project B: The Ambitious League Challenging the Status Quo
Project B, founded in 2023, is positioning itself as a global alternative to traditional women’s basketball leagues. The league’s inaugural season is scheduled to run from December 2026 to April 2027, featuring six teams with 11 players each competing in seven two-week tournaments across Europe, Asia, and the Americas [3]. Host cities include Valencia, Spain, and Tokyo, Japan, underscoring the league’s international ambitions [3]. Project B claims it will pay players over $1 million, aligning with the recent WNBA Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) that allows star players to earn seven-figure salaries for the first time [3][GPT]. This financial incentive is a key factor in attracting top talent like Fudd, who could have earned a base salary of approximately $76,535 in her rookie WNBA season, with potential bonuses pushing her earnings higher [GPT].
The Stephen Curry Factor: How an NBA Superstar Influenced Fudd’s Choice
Fudd’s decision to join Project B was reportedly influenced by NBA superstar Stephen Curry, who has become an increasingly vocal advocate for women’s basketball. The Golden State Warriors guard played a pivotal role in Fudd’s choice during a basketball camp in Chongqing, China, in the summer of 2025 [2]. Fudd described the experience as eye-opening, noting the global appeal of basketball and the opportunities it presents for cultural exchange. “People who are fans of me all around the world—I’m so far from home, in a country I’ve never been to, and people cheer for me, give me gifts, and welcome me with open arms—it was such an unreal experience,” Fudd told Fortune [2]. This global perspective aligns with Project B’s mission to create a truly international league, offering players like Fudd the chance to expand their brand beyond traditional markets.
The Financial Backing Behind Project B: Who’s Investing in the Future of Women’s Basketball?
Project B’s ambitious vision is backed by a formidable group of investors and executives. The league was co-founded by Alana Beard, a former WNBA player and Chief Basketball Officer of Project B, alongside Grady Burnett, a former Google and Facebook executive, and Geoff Prentice, the co-founder of Skype [3]. This high-profile leadership team has attracted significant financial backing, though the exact sources of funding remain somewhat opaque. While Project B has insisted it is not funded by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund, the timing of its rise—coinciding with the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s withdrawal from LIV Golf—has fueled speculation [4]. Regardless of its funding sources, Project B’s business model is clear: create a global product that leverages the growing popularity of women’s basketball to generate billion-dollar revenues.
The WNBA’s Dilemma: Adapt or Risk Losing Its Top Talent
Fudd’s move to Project B presents a significant challenge to the WNBA, which has long been the premier destination for women’s professional basketball talent. The league’s 2026 CBA allows for salaries up to $242,150 for supermax players, with additional opportunities for bonuses and marketing deals [GPT]. However, Project B’s promise of $1 million salaries—combined with global exposure—could lure more players away from the WNBA during the off-season [3]. This trend mirrors developments in men’s basketball, where top NBA players increasingly participate in international leagues or high-profile exhibitions during the off-season. The WNBA now faces a critical juncture: adapt its business model to retain top talent or risk losing players to leagues that offer better financial incentives and global platforms. The league’s response could determine the future of women’s professional basketball in the U.S. and beyond.
The Globalization of Women’s Basketball: A New Era of Opportunity
Fudd’s decision to join Project B reflects a broader trend in women’s sports: the increasing globalization of talent and economic opportunities. The WNBA has long been the gold standard for women’s professional basketball, but its dominance is being challenged by leagues like Project B and Unrivaled, which offer alternative models for player compensation and fan engagement. Project B’s international focus aligns with the growing popularity of women’s basketball worldwide, particularly in Europe and Asia, where leagues like the EuroLeague Women and the Women’s Chinese Basketball Association (WCBA) have gained traction [GPT]. For players like Fudd, the appeal of Project B lies in its promise to bridge these global markets, creating a unified platform for women’s basketball that transcends national borders. As Fudd herself put it, “Basketball has always been global to me. It’s given me the opportunity to see the world, connect with people from different cultures and go places I never imagined” [3]. This global mindset could redefine the economics of women’s basketball, attracting new investors, sponsors, and fans.
What’s Next for Project B and the Future of Women’s Basketball?
As Project B prepares for its inaugural season in December 2026, the league’s success hinges on several key factors. First, it must deliver on its promise of competitive salaries and global exposure to retain and attract top talent. Second, it needs to secure lucrative broadcasting deals and sponsorships to sustain its ambitious financial model. Third, Project B must navigate the complex geopolitical landscape of international sports, particularly as questions about its funding sources persist [4]. For the WNBA, the rise of Project B serves as a wake-up call. The league must innovate to remain competitive, whether through increased salaries, expanded global partnerships, or enhanced fan engagement strategies. One thing is clear: the economics of women’s basketball are evolving rapidly, and the decisions made by leagues and players in the coming months will shape the sport’s future for decades to come.