Seattle Storm star Nneka Ogwumike becomes first player to sign with Saudi-backed Project B

The GIST: Project B, a new women’s basketball league set to launch in November 2026, announced its first player signing on Wednesday: WNBPA president and 10-time WNBA All-Star Nneka Ogwumike. There’s a lot to unpack, so lace ’em up and let’s hoop to it.

❓ What is Project B?: The global league will feature traditional 5-on-5 basketball and run from November to April — notably not conflicting with the WNBA schedule. Six 11-player teams will compete in two-week tournaments across Europe, Asia, and Latin America on a traveling circuit.

• Project B’s investment group is stacked with starpower from WNBA icon Candace Parker to legends like tennis’ Novak Djokovic and football’s Steve Young. Former WNBA All-Star Alana Beard will serve as the league’s chief basketball officer.

• But Project B’s biggest draw is the money: The salaries will reportedly dwarf what’s offered by both the WNBA and Unrivaled, while also offering players equity stake in the league. Money talks, after all.

❓ How does Project B fit into the women’s basketball landscape?: Project B isn’t a direct competitor for the WNBA as it will run during the W’s offseason. Instead, it’ll run concurrently with Unrivaled and Athletes Unlimited, offering a tournament-based 5-on-5 product. This stands in stark contrast to Unrivaled’s unique 3v3 version of basketball and AU’s player-first competition model.

❓ I heard sportswashing is involved?: You’d be right. This new, lucrative sports venture is backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) through its entertainment company Sela. And while the PIF claims to stand on a pillar of inclusivity, Saudi Arabia is known for its human rights abuses — aka textbook sportswashing.

• Alongside its infamous men’s sports involvement, the PIF has deepened its impact on the women’s sports space in recent years, from the WTA to the Women’s World Cup — and now women’s basketball.