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WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike Is First to Sign With Project B, Raising Stakes in WNBA Labor Talks

Her salary‑plus‑equity deal spotlights a new offseason league promising higher pay with a 2026–27 traveling tournament.

Overview

  • Ogwumike confirmed she signed with Project B and said the equity component was pivotal, making her the first publicly named player for the startup league.
  • Project B plans six teams of 11 players competing from November 2026 through April 2027 across multiple regions in a streamed, tournament‑style circuit pitched as an F1‑style TV event.
  • The signing lands as the WNBA and players operate under a 30‑day CBA extension to Nov. 30, with multiple executives viewing the move as applying pressure and raising conflict‑of‑interest questions about union leaders, according to reporting.
  • Front Office Sports, citing unnamed sources, reports select stars are being offered seven‑figure salaries starting around $2 million and multiyear deals that could reach eight figures, in addition to equity; Project B has not disclosed contract figures.
  • Founded by Geoff Prentice and Grady Burnett, Project B lists investors such as Candace Parker, Novak Djokovic and Sloane Stephens, and says more top players have signed though no additional names have been released.