"Activist League Leaders Taking That Saudi Money": Nneka Ogwumike Triggers Massive Fan Mockery After Joining WNBA Rival Amid CBA Talks

Nneka Ogwumike has taken a big step in her career as she joined the WNBA's rival project amid ongoing CBA talks between the league and the WNBPA. On Wednesday, the Associated Press reported that the Storm forward has signed a contract with Project B league, a new basketball league expected to begin next winter in Europe and Asia.

A fan shared the news on his X account, attracting the attention of the WNBA fanbase. Fans swarmed the post's comment section with their opinion on the WNBPA President's move.

One fan mocked Nneka Ogwumike for taking the money from another league.

"lmfao activist league leaders taking that Saudi money. i never wanna hear s**t from them again," the fan said. "[Nneka Ogwumike] I don't ever want to hear you say that you're advocating for equality and fairness when you're going to go play for this blood money league," another fan said. "But she at the negotiating table for the WNBA Player in good faith? Man GTFOH 😂" another fan said.

One fan raised concern about the talent pool being stretched thin across different leagues.

"They're about to spread the talent so thin across all of these leagues, none are going to be watchable," the fan commented. "Good, now yall better shut up if a certain player takes the money too. I don't want to see those s**t articles about rights, activism!" another fan said. "WNBPA president is only focused on herself," another fan said.

Project B league is expected to start from November 2026 and will run until April 2027. So, it will not directly rival the WNBA or affect a player's calendar who is playing in the W. However, the new league will take on Unrivaled, a startup league running during the WNBA offseason.

Nneka Ogwumike explains her deciision to sign with the Project B league

Nneka Ogwumike spoke with AP after signing the contract with the foreign league. During her brief conversation with the news outlet, the Storm forward revealed the reason behind her decision.

"There's so many different opportunities for players outside of [the WNBA] and that's always been the case," She said. "This is just another one of those opportunities and I know that a lot of players are doing what they can to ensure that they can maximize on the short time that they have in their playing careers. This is my chance to be able to do that."

While Ogwumike has secured a bag and a playing destination for her future, a potential lockout is looming over the WNBA's head. The league has not yet reached an agreement with the WNBPA on the new CBA terms and conditions.

Edited by Avi Shravan