Sophie Cunningham has joined the flurry of players heading to Project BLAPRESSE

Sophie Cunningham, guard for the Indiana Fever, has shocked many in the women’s basketball world by announcing she is joining a new global league, Project B, even as negotiations over the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) in the WNBA remain unresolved.

The decision marks one of the strongest signals yet that top-flight WNBA talent is seriously considering alternatives and the breakaway, similar to LIV Golf, could reshape the sport’s landscape.

Cunningham’s commitment to Project B – which plans to debut in fall 2026 – comes as part of a growing wave of WNBA players exploring new opportunities.

Along with Cunningham, Kelsey Mitchell, Alyssa Thomas, Nneka Ogwumike, and Jonquel Jones have all agreed to join the league. Kamilla Cardoso, Jewell Lloyd, Janelle Salaun, and Li Meng will also play.

It appears the Fever star is excited about the prospect of playing after replying to Front Office Sports’ post on X, formerly Twitter, writing: “unlimited Arby’s for life amirite?”

Project B’s financial lure

The startup league aims to offer salaries significantly higher than what the WNBA currently provides, with annual contracts reportedly exceeding $2 million, plus potential equity stakes in the league.

In her public statement announcing the move, Cunningham said: “Excited to join Project B‘s athlete roster as they launch a new chapter in women’s basketball.

Our game is exploding in popularity, and I’m all in on carrying that momentum forward in any way I can, both at home in the US and beyond.”

It offers a worrying update for the WNBA, who are facing a deadlock over the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

The WNBA and its players’ union are still negotiating a new CBA, with many athletes voicing frustration over what they see as inadequate compensation and lack of long-term security.

Cunningham has previously expressed skepticism about the state of talks, stating bluntly: “There’s really not a lot to talk about … on [the players’] end until there’s a new CBA. And I think that’s how it is across the league.”

What the start-up’s appeal shows

Project B aims to launch as a fully professional women’s (and men’s) league beginning in late 2026. The plan calls for six teams, each with 11 players, competing in a series of global tournaments.

For WNBA players like Cunningham, the allure is immediate with higher pay, global reach, and a fresh platform at a moment when confidence in the WNBA‘s direction is shaky.

As one of the most visible players on social media and on court, Cunningham’s decision to move is one of the most-high profile captures yet.

She brings to Project B a blend of talent and public profile that could help the startup league gain traction. Players of her stature will help provide more visibility and attract international fans and sponsors.

It also sends a powerful message to the WNBA, who risk losing its star players as it shows they are willing to explore alternatives. For a league that has prided itself on steady growth and rising popularity, defections threaten to undermine both stability and brand cohesion.

If Project B succeeds, it could force the WNBA into serious reform – potentially pushing the league to offer better salaries, revenue sharing, and long-term guarantees.

But a competing league also risks fragmenting viewership, sponsorship, and talent, especially if players divide their time between organizations.