The world of women’s basketball is currently witnessing a seismic disruption, a “Gold Rush” era where player empowerment and financial valuation are being rewritten in real-time. The latest shockwave to hit the ecosystem comes from none other than Sophie Cunningham, the charismatic and viral sensation from the Indiana Fever. In a move that signals a major shift in the offseason landscape, Cunningham has officially signed with “Project B,” a burgeoning 5-on-5 league that is promising to shatter the financial glass ceiling for female athletes.

This announcement is not an isolated incident; it is part of a rapidly developing narrative that threatens to upend the traditional hierarchy of women’s sports leagues. Coming hot on the heels of her Indiana Fever teammate Kelsey Mitchell joining the same organization, Cunningham’s decision solidifies Project B as a legitimate contender for the sport’s top talent. The implications of this signing extend far beyond a simple roster addition—they touch on the very viability of competing leagues, the future of WNBA contract negotiations, and the potential destination of the sport’s biggest whale: Caitlin Clark.

The Rise of Project B

For months, whispers have circulated about “Project B,” a mysterious entity lurking in the background of the women’s basketball boom. While the “Unrivaled” league—a 3-on-3 concept founded by Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier—garnered early headlines with its star-studded initial roster, Project B has been quietly assembling a war chest and a business model designed to dominate.

Unlike its 3-on-3 competitor, Project B offers a traditional 5-on-5 format, a critical distinction for purists and players who want to showcase their full-court capabilities. But the real headline grabber is the money. Reports indicate that Project B is luring players with minimum annual salaries exceeding $2 million. To put that figure into perspective, the WNBA supermax salary hovered just above $240,000 last season. This isn’t just a pay raise; it is a life-changing financial paradigm shift.

Backed by heavyweight investors including NFL Hall of Famer Steve Young and tennis legend Novak Djokovic, the league has the capital to make these promises reality. It aims to launch in the fall of 2026, positioning itself not as a direct competitor to the WNBA’s summer season, but as the premier offseason destination that makes overseas play financially obsolete.

Sophie Cunningham: The Strategic Signing

The acquisition of Sophie Cunningham is a masterstroke in branding for Project B. While she may not have the MVP hardware of an A’ja Wilson or the statistical dominance of a Breanna Stewart, Cunningham wields a different kind of power: virality. According to Google Analytics data cited by industry observers, Cunningham ranked as the third most searched player in the WNBA last season. Her tunnel fits, her on-court intensity, and her engaging social media presence have built a cult following that transcends box scores.

In a video announcement, Cunningham expressed her thrill at joining the league, citing the platform it provides for women’s basketball globally. “I am so excited to announce that I’m actually joining Project B’s athlete roster,” Cunningham stated. “It is giving women’s basketball a platform that is much deserving not only here in the United States but across the world.”

For Project B, signing Cunningham is a signal that they understand the modern sports economy. They aren’t just buying baskets and rebounds; they are buying engagement, clicks, and a dedicated fanbase.

The Fever Connection and the Caitlin Clark Question

With both Sophie Cunningham and Kelsey Mitchell now committed to Project B, the eyes of the basketball world instinctively turn to the third member of the Fever’s core: Caitlin Clark. The “Clark Effect” is the single most valuable commodity in women’s sports, and her decision on where to play during the offseason remains the ultimate domino.

The fact that two of her closest teammates have opted for Project B over Unrivaled (or other options) fuels intense speculation. If the league can offer a reunion of the Fever’s dynamic offense, coupled with multimillion-dollar salaries, it presents a compelling case for Clark. While Unrivaled has made aggressive pitches, the 5-on-5 format of Project B might be more appealing to a point guard whose game is predicated on full-court vision and transition play.

The “Black and White Sports” analysis suggests that Project B is strategically targeting these interconnected players to build chemistry and narrative intrigue before the first ball is even tipped. If they land Clark, the war is effectively over; Project B would instantly become the most-watched women’s league on the planet outside of the WNBA playoffs.

Unrivaled vs. Project B: The Battle of Formats

The emergence of Project B casts a long shadow over Unrivaled. While the 3-on-3 league has secured big names, the “Black and White Sports” commentary argues that the 5-on-5 format is a significant competitive advantage. Basketball, in its purest professional form, is a full-court game. By offering the standard format combined with superior financial incentives, Project B is positioning itself as the “major league” of the offseason.

Furthermore, the roster Project B is assembling—including international stars like Kamilla Cardoso and established veterans like Jonquel Jones and Jewell Loyd—suggests a deep talent pool that rivals any Olympic squad. The skepticism regarding Unrivaled’s long-term viability is growing as players realize they don’t have to compromise on the game format to secure the bag.

The Financial Reality Check

The stark contrast between the WNBA’s current salary structure and Project B’s offers highlights the contention of the ongoing collective bargaining negotiations. Players like Cunningham and Mitchell are effectively proving that the market value for elite women’s basketball players is drastically higher than what the traditional system has provided.

When a player can make ten times their WNBA salary in an offseason league, the leverage shifts entirely to the talent. It forces the WNBA to reckon with its revenue sharing and salary caps, and it empowers players to make business decisions that secure their futures.

Looking Ahead to 2026

As we look toward the fall of 2026, the anticipation for Project B is reaching a fever pitch. The league has managed to secure top-tier talent, legitimate financing, and significant media buzz without playing a single game. The signing of Sophie Cunningham is more than just a roster move; it is a validation of the league’s vision.

For the fans, the prospect of watching Cunningham, Mitchell, and potentially other superstars competing for massive stakes in a 5-on-5 setting is tantalizing. The “Old Guard” of women’s basketball economics is crumbling, and rising from the rubble is a new order where players are paid like the stars they are. Sophie Cunningham has made her choice, and it’s a million-dollar bet on the future.