PHOENIX — Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas’ signing with Project B could change the future of women’s basketball and create a true rival to the WNBA.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Why is this significant, and how could it affect the Mercury if the new league takes off?
6-time WNBA All-Star Alyssa Thomas has joined Project B as a player, partner and owner, the league announced.
Thomas joins Nneka Ogwumike as WNBA players signing on to the new women’s professional basketball league, set to launch next year. pic.twitter.com/ZsSJPrAvpP
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) November 11, 2025
What is Project B?
Project B is a new women’s basketball league founded by former Facebook executive Grady Burnett and Skype co-founder Geoff Prentice. The organization also plans to launch a men’s league in the future, with additional sports ventures in mind.
The league aims to compete financially by offering players higher salaries and equity in the company, benefits that the WNBA does not currently provide.
Set to launch its inaugural season in November 2026 and run through April 2027, Project B will feature games across Asia, Europe and the Americas.
May 23, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) dribbles the ball while defended by Seattle Storm forward Nneka Ogwumike (3) during the second half at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
Why current signings tell a story.
So far, only Thomas and Nneka Ogwumike have signed on with Project B and have already taken on partnership roles within the league. Both players are seasoned veterans nearing the latter stages of their careers. While Project B hasn’t specifically targeted veteran players, its first two signees suggest the league’s strategy to establish credibility by recruiting proven stars.
Thomas is also committed to playing in the 3-on-3 league Unrivaled this winter, but with a wave of younger talent joining this season, she appears to be looking beyond.
Many younger players may be drawn to Unrivaled for the opportunity to stay in the country and continue building their brands, while veterans like Thomas and Ogwumike are investing the experience and influence they’ve accumulated over the years to help launch something they believe in.
Aug 8, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; A view of the scoreboard and the WNBA logo as an announcement is made about throwing any toys or objects on to the court during the first half of the game between the Dallas Wings and the New York Liberty at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
What about the WNBA?
Project B won’t run simultaneously with the WNBA, at least for now. However, the promise of higher salaries and the opportunity to invest in the new league will likely attract more players to join, especially top talent.
Currently, there is no CBA between WNBA players and the league. Many players have voiced frustration over stalled negotiations, saying league officials have been unwilling to meet key demands.
One of the most significant demands is higher pay.
If an agreement can’t be reached, players may begin seeking alternatives and Project B is quickly emerging as a serious option.
The Mercury, along with other WNBA teams, could see some of their talent leave the league altogether if Project B can offer players a better path forward. Players are considering their futures, and if the WNBA can’t provide long-term opportunities, they may choose to move on.
Sep 17, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) celebrates after a time out called by the New York Liberty during game two of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Thomas’ commitment to Project B marks the beginning of a potential renaissance in women’s basketball, as players now have more alternatives beyond the WNBA.
For the WNBA, it could signal a challenging road ahead in sustaining success, with more players exploring rival opportunities as the women’s sports landscape continues to grow.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
