"That’s a signal, lockout coming" - Fans Go Wild as WNBA's Rival League Stuns with $2 Million Contracts and Ownership Stakes to Lure Stars

The WNBA has a new competition, and it's called Project B. The new basketball league has begun recruiting and has a chance to sign the best players globally. Basketball fans have started to see how the new rival league could be a serious threat to the league.

According to Front Office Sports, Project B can pay players an annual salary of $2 million. Players can also have a chance to earn at least eight figures with their multiyear deals. Additionally, equity can be earned by the participating players.

Grady Burnett, a former Facebook executive, and Geoff Prentice, co-founder of Skype, started Project B. Nneka Ogwumike of the Seattle Storm was signed by the league, which has already begun taking action.

Following the announcement, fans expressed their opinions about the league's future. Here are some of what the fans said.

"That’s a signal… lockout comin," a fan said. "all the WNBA players should migrate there due to Cathy Engelbert’s corrupt leadership," another comment read. "WNBA just died anyone worth watching will be jumping ship especially with the poor leadership in the league," one fan said.

Other fans were surprised by the amount of money the new league is willing to pay.

"Wait a second the supermax is WHAT," someone commented. "2M a year from 250k!?! They’d be crazy not to leave," a comment read. "No cap The W might be done," one fan said.

Front Office Sports reported that Project B will launch in 2026. Tournaments will take place across Asia, Europe, and Latin America, spanning from November 2026 to April 2027.

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Another WNBA Rival League to Feature Star Players Amid Lockout Tension

Aside from the new Project B league, Unrivaled poses as a threat to the WNBA amid the league's lockout negotiations. Unrivaled will begin its second season in January 2026. The league has also expanded, adding two new teams, the Breeze BC and Hive BC.

The league has also announced notable players who will participate in the tournament. The 2025 Rookie of the Year, Paige Bueckers, has been announced as one of the biggest stars for the new campaign. Fan-favorite Li Yueru will also make her Unrivaled debut next year. Lastly, MVP finalist Napheesa Collier will also play in the basketball league.

In the second season, they still haven't secured a contract for Caitlin Clark to play for them. But Unrivaled will feature some of the best stars around the globe, which could be a threat to the main basketball league.

Edited by Reign Amurao