WNBA leadership has been under the cosh after Napheesa Collier made the scathing statement about commissioner Cathy Engelbert. While the players have been fully behind Collier, the fans and analysts have demanded for Engelbert’s resignation. The players have been fighting for a fair salary for years now. Collier’s statement has not only proved why more money is needed in the women’s game but also fuelled up a new fire for player safety. New comers like Paige Bueckers, Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and more have raised the revenue exponentially.
WNBA already have a competitor in the form of Unrivaled. Former UConn greats Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart founded the Unrivaled league in 2023. They had their inaugural season in 2025 and it was an instant success. The commencement of a new league in the United States itself, meant the players did not have to go different countries to earn extra money and keep up with their fitness in WNBA’s offseason. The format was identical to FIBA 3×3. League’s revenue generation, player earnings and fan following turned out to be big challenges for the WNBA. Now there is another big challenge that might make WNBA change things around to keep the players satisfied. Moreover, not only the WNBA but the challenge arises for Unrivaled too.
Grady Burnett and Geoff Prentice are prepared to launch a new basketball league called Project B which will reportedly be backed by Saudi investors. There were rumors of LeBron James’ involvement as well. However, due to uncertainty around that the league will kick off with a women’s division, reportedly starting next year during the WNBA offseason. There will be reportedly six teams competing in seven two-week tournaments across cities in Asia, Europe, and the America.
There seem a few solid factors that might attract WNBA players and lure away massive revenue generating players like Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, Angel Reese and more.
Updates on the Saudi-backed basketball league:
– League is set to start next fall, running from November-April. WNBA offseason
– Already signed WNBA players
– Could offer players up to $50 million
– Alana Beard acting as Chief Basketball officer, Candace Parker is also involved. pic.twitter.com/ulKHzlUhWD— suns (back from Cancun) (@antivirgosuns) October 10, 2025
Candance Parker, Steve Young, tennis legend Novak Djokovic, and Sloane Stephens are some of the biggest names in a growing list of investors. With a backing of massive money from Saudi, players can reportedly earn upto even $50 million. The prospect of a massive increase in pay and a new paradigm shift is certainly an intriguing step for women’s basketball.
Fans react to Project B
After voicing their discontent against current WNBA commissioner and management, fans certainly had positive views about WNBA players earning more and playing more quality basketball.
“Caitlin is the ONLY player that would draw international crowds. $100M contract for her to be the headliner!!!” one fan showed full support.
“It’d be so easy for them to shut down the WNBA and Unrivaled. I can’t see players turning down 10s of millions of dollars,” another fan claimed.
“Never heard of this until now. Good looks,” another gave the stamp of approval.
“Is it possible this is why Angel hasn’t resigned with unrivaled for season 2 yet???” another fan wondered.
“Unrivaled meet the big boss,” another said.
“I don’t think the W can survive an attack on multiple fronts,” one user commented.
“We’re witnessing the end of the WNBA,” another replied.
