Kelsey Mitchell, Sophie Cunningham Re-Affirm Commitment for Project B Despite CBA

Why It Matters

The players’ endorsement signals that elite talent will pursue alternative leagues offering higher pay and flexibility, potentially reshaping the economics and scheduling of women’s professional basketball.

Key Takeaways

• Project B offers $2M minimum salaries plus equity for players.
• Mitchell values flexibility of returning to U.S. between tournaments.
• Cunningham sees Project B as financial security despite WNBA raise.
• League will run seven two‑week tournaments worldwide Nov 2026‑Apr 2027.
• Thirteen players signed, indicating interest beyond WNBA salary negotiations.

Pulse Analysis

The WNBA’s 2024 collective bargaining agreement lifted the league’s salary ceiling from roughly $250,000 to $1.4 million, a historic jump that has reshaped player compensation. While the new deal offers unprecedented earnings, many stars still weigh offseason options that provide both financial upside and playing flexibility. Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell and forward Sophie Cunningham exemplify this calculus, reaffirming their commitment to the nascent Project B league even as the WNBA’s pay pool expands. Their stance highlights a growing willingness among elite athletes to diversify income streams beyond the traditional overseas circuit.

Project B, slated to launch with seven two‑week tournaments across Europe, Asia and Latin America from November 2026 to April 2027, promises a minimum $2 million salary plus signing bonuses and equity stakes. Unlike conventional overseas contracts that lock players abroad for eight months, the touring format lets athletes return to the United States between events, preserving off‑season training and personal time. Mitchell, who has played in Egypt, Israel, Spain and China, argues that this hybrid model better aligns with her professional development, while Cunningham cites the financial security and brand exposure as decisive factors.

The emergence of Project B could pressure the WNBA to further innovate its revenue sharing and schedule. With 13 players already on board, the league signals genuine market demand and may attract additional talent seeking seven‑figure compensation without sacrificing domestic visibility. However, overlapping calendars with the Unrivaled league and potential player fatigue raise logistical challenges. If Project B succeeds, it may catalyze a multi‑league ecosystem that expands the global footprint of women’s basketball, offering fans more year‑round content and investors new growth avenues.