Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham revealed on her Show Me Something podcast that she tried to recruit Caitlin Clark to the new offseason basketball league, Project B, but Clark declined. Cunningham discussed the rapid growth of alternative leagues like Project B, Unrivaled, and Athletes Unlimited, noting that many American players are choosing to compete year-round. Clark, however, wasn’t interested.
Cunningham emphasized that while these new leagues offer exciting opportunities, the WNBA remains the main platform that gives players visibility and recognition. “I tried to get her to play in Project B. She said, ‘No,’” Cunningham said.
Although Clark passed, Cunningham said she’s thrilled to team up with Kelsey Mitchell and eventually agreed to join Project B herself after initially saying no twice. What changed her mind were the league’s perks elite medical support, charter travel, and a strong financial backing. She dismissed rumors of Saudi involvement, saying Project B is funded by four major tech companies.
Cunningham called the organizers “good people” and said the league gives her a global stage and a chance to play year-round as she enters her prime.
A growing list of WNBA players have signed on, including Nneka Ogwumike, Alyssa Thomas, Jonquel Jones, Leonie Fiebich, Jewell Loyd, Kamilla Cardoso, Li Meng, Janelle Salaun, and Juste Joycte. Project B, founded by former Facebook executive Grady Burnett and Skype co-founder Geoff Prentice, plans to launch a six-team traveling league overseas from November 2026 through April 2027. Players are reportedly being offered starting salaries of $2 million per year, addressing long-standing concerns about WNBA compensation.
Be the first to comment