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Project B Adds Sophie Cunningham, Expanding WNBA Signees to Nine for 2026–27 Global Tour

The latest commitments underscore a seven‑figure pay‑plus‑equity model that is reshaping leverage in WNBA labor negotiations.

Overview

  • Sophie Cunningham joined Project B following Kelsey Mitchell’s addition, bringing the publicly announced roster to nine current or recent WNBA players.
  • Other confirmed players include Nneka Ogwumike, Alyssa Thomas, Jonquel Jones, Jewell Loyd, Kamilla Cardoso, Li Meng and Janelle Salaün, with early recruits also receiving equity stakes.
  • Project B plans a November 2026 to April 2027 season built around seven two‑week tournaments across Asia, Europe and the Americas with six teams of 11 players.
  • Multiple outlets report offers starting at about $2 million annually, which far exceed recent WNBA supermax figures, though the league has not disclosed specific contract terms.
  • Founders tout a global, asset‑light model backed by tech and sports investors, while denying Saudi funding despite a paid events partnership with Sela, a point drawing public scrutiny and fan debate over the venture’s implications for the WNBA.