The WNBPA’s demand for higher pay and revenue share had been a big stumbling block for the CBA confirmation. Interestingly, there are rival leagues, such as Project B and Unrivalled, that are offering what the players are demanding from the WNBA.
The newer 5-on-5 league is offering handsome compensation, which raises a question: Will Project B’s multimillion-dollar salaries and equity stakes lure WNBA stars like Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers away from the league?
As for the Dallas Wings’ star, she already joined the Unrivaled league as a marquee player and signed a three-year deal, while the Fever guard is yet to sign with any other league other than the WNBA.
Caitlin Clark And Paige Bueckers Have A Big Choice To Make
The WNBA Players showed unity from the start of the 2025 season as they put forward their demands for the CBA. But the emergence of Project B, coupled with the CBA standoff, shook things a bit. Furthermore, Nneka Ogwumike’s signing with the new league exacerbates the situation.
According to the Financial Times, Project B is offering around $2 million/season as a base contract, which is significantly higher than the WNBA’s current supermax contract value. For the rookies, the value will be nearly 20 times their current earnings, which is lucrative enough for them to leave the WNBA.
EXCLUSIVE: Some WNBA stars are being offered salaries starting at $2 million to join Project B, sources tell FOS.
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) November 6, 2025
The league has already signed WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike—and other WNBA players have already signed to play in the league too, sources told FOS.
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But the case of CC and the former UConn star is different. They both have massive off-court incomes, which allows them to deny the chance of joining the new league.
Clark even opted out of the chance to sign with the Unrivaled league for the second season in a row. But will this situation work for them in the long run?
Right now, the WNBA and Project B calendars are not colliding. But as they grow in the coming 2-3 years, players might have to take their chances with one league only.
And if the WNBA started losing players, the league would lose its competitive edge. With less challenge on the WNBA floor, Clark and Bueckers might also look for more competitive leagues to conquer.
Project B With Goal Of $ 5 Billion Funding Push For Caitlin Clark
The Fever guard has been at the heart of the WNBA’s rise, and for its own growth, the Project B will be using her star power to attract fans, broadcasters, and sponsors to the league.
As per the report, the league is looking to secure $ 5 billion in funding before the start of their first season, which will allow them to pay players of CC’s magnitude, in the range of $ 10 million.
They have already made a smart move by signing the WNBPA president, and as per FOS, many other players are still in contact with the league. Adding Clark and Bueckers will not only give them more eyeballs, but it will also damage the WNBA’s image for not being able to keep hold of its superstar players.