The WNBA's offseason talent war is heating up, with two rival leagues, Unrivaled and Project B, vying for the attention of top players. This intense competition has led to a fascinating dynamic where players are now choosing between two lucrative opportunities, each with its own unique approach to women's basketball. The battle for talent is not just about money; it's also about strategy, vision, and the potential to shape the future of the sport.
The Money Factor
One of the most significant aspects of this rivalry is the financial allure of both leagues. Unrivaled, backed by big-name investors like Carmelo Anthony and Michael Phelps, offered six-figure salaries in its inaugural season, with an average of $220,000. This was a substantial increase from the WNBA's minimum salary, which was less than $70,000 at the time. Unrivaled also provided players with equity in the league, a trend that has since caught on in pro sports.
Project B, on the other hand, is reportedly offering salaries around $2 million annually, with signing bonuses and equity in the league. This is a significant financial incentive, especially when compared to the WNBA's supermax salary. The league's ambition to raise $5 billion in funding further underscores the financial potential of this competition.
The Global Vision
While money is a significant factor, both leagues also have distinct visions for the future of women's basketball. Unrivaled, with its headquarters in Miami and limited international travel, focuses on creating a stable and skill-enhancing environment. This approach aligns with the idea of using the offseason to perfect skills rather than travel extensively.
Project B, in contrast, has a global vision. It plans to involve significant international travel, with six stops across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. This strategy is in line with the belief that international fans will be crucial to the growth of women's basketball in the United States. The league's chief basketball officer, Alana Beard, describes this as adapting a Formula One model, allowing players to come and go as needed.
The Battle for Talent
The competition between the two leagues is most evident in the talent they are attracting. Unrivaled has secured multiyear deals with stars like Paige Bueckers, Breanna Stewart, and Napheesa Collier. It has also locked up more than 90% of its 54 roster spots for the 2027 season, with players like Gabby Williams and Olivia Miles already signed.
Project B, however, has announced a stellar lineup of players, including Nneka Ogwumike, Jonquel Jones, and Alyssa Thomas. It has also prioritized international talent, with players like Kamilla Cardoso, Awa Fam, and Leonie Fiebich. The league's recruiting efforts are led by Alana Beard, a two-time WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, who has a strong connection with Ogwumike from their 2016 championship run.
The Future of the Competition
The future of this talent war remains uncertain. The WNBA's new collective bargaining agreement has raised minimum salaries and mitigated financial pressures, making offseason leagues less of a necessity. The league can now extend its calendar into late November, further shrinking the window for outside leagues. As the calendar narrows and financial pressure decreases, the battle may come down to which league can offer the most compelling opportunity and convince the game's biggest stars.
The relationship between Unrivaled and the WNBA is also a key factor. Unrivaled cofounder Alex Bazzell approached the WNBA early about a potential investment, but the league declined. The WNBA's commissioner, Cathy Engelbert, has expressed a desire to grow the league internationally, which could impact Project B's plans. The future of this competition will depend on how each league navigates its relationship with the WNBA and the talent it can attract and retain.
