“Why Would You Not?”: Sophie Cunningham Shares True Feelings on Potentially Playing in “Project B” for Multi-Million Dollar Deal

The WNBA is at a pivotal moment as collective bargaining agreement (CBA) talks appear to be stalling, with players seeking higher salaries and new opportunities emerging outside the league, and Sophie Cunningham shared her perspective on competing in “Project B.”

Project B is an offseason league projected to include 66 players in a traveling, tournament-style format, reportedly offering seven- to eight-figure deals -- compensation that exceeds both the WNBA and Unrivaled -- along with equity stakes for participants.

When asked by Front Office Sports’ Annie Costabile whether she would consider joining Project B, Cunningham said she wasn’t fully informed about the league but would be open to the possibility.

“I don’t know too much about it,” Cunningham said. “You know, you see stuff on social media, but I also know how social media goes. So you got to take it with a grain of salt. “But, you know, if people are going to be paying you multi-million dollar deals, why would you not?

Project B is slated to launch in November 2026, with WNBA standouts Alyssa Thomas and Nneka Ogwumike among the first players to commit.

Sophie Cunningham bares details of CBA negotiations

A potential lockout is looming as CBA discussions continue to stall, and Sophie Cunningham, a free agent, said that while talks are happening, progress remains nonexistent.

“I think the last meeting was about two weeks ago,” she told Front Office Sports. “I know our execs are talking with their people every single day. I don’t think there’s been much movement. I think at least there’s communication. So that’s the biggest thing for us. “So I’m not so sure where they’re at. But for us players, I think we’re standing strong on what we want.”

According to Costabile, one proposal included setting a supermax salary at $850,000. But Cunningham explained that players want contract flexibility that scales with league revenue.

“It sounds good and they can always wave a big number in your face,” she said. “But what happens when the business continues to go up? Does that mean that our salaries are going to continue to go up, or will they stay the same? And I think that’s been our biggest thing, revenue share.”

Sophie Cunningham served as a dependable reserve for the Fever throughout their injury-plagued 2025 campaign, posting career highs in field-goal and 3-point shooting, and she has indicated she would be open to returning to Indiana if there is a 2026 WNBA season.

Edited by John Ezekiel Hirro