PHOENIX — Phoenix Mercury All-Star Alyssa Thomas has joined the new women’s basketball league, rivaling the WNBA, Project B.
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Oct 3, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) shoots against the Las Vegas Aces during the second quarter of game one of the 2025 WNBA Finals at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
According to the league, the All-Star has joined Project B as a player, partner and owner. She joins Nneka Ogwumike as the first two WNBA players to sign with the new league, which is set to launch next year.
Project B was created to compete with the WNBA, offering larger salaries and equity stakes to players. Thomas’ decision to sign signals that the league is a serious counterpart to the established WNBA and could mark the beginning of significant change in the global women’s basketball landscape.
Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) drives past Los Angeles Sparks forward Cameron Brink (22) at PHX Arena on Sept. 9, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
After an MVP-caliber season with the Mercury, including becoming an MVP finalist and leading the team to a WNBA Finals appearance, Thomas is looking to expand her opportunities. The Phoenix forward’s commitment to the new league shows that it can offer more than what the WNBA may provide.
In 2025, Thomas averaged 15.4 points, 8.8 rebounds and 9.2 assists per game.
Aug 10, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) against the Atlanta Dream in the second half at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
With new opportunities emerging that aim to provide what WNBA players have long strived for, more players may sign with them, even though they are rival leagues.
Alyssa Thomas announces she’s joining the new Project B basketball League pic.twitter.com/mxyEYwN8ZK
— Nick Hamilton (@NickHamilton213) November 11, 2025
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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