Liberty star, former WNBA MVP, becomes latest to join rival league in off-season

Liberty star, former WNBA MVP, becomes latest to join rival league in off-season originally appeared on Sports news. Add The Sporting News as Favorite source by clicking here.

The WNBA’s reputation as the world’s premier destination for women’s professional basketball is increasingly under threat.

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Although EuroLeague Women and 3-on-3 League Unrivaled both take place during the WNBA offseason, the level of competition – and salaries on offer – are higher than what the W has brought to the table at different points in its 29-year history. The league’s ongoing battle with the WNBPA over collective bargaining has proven bruising; in 12 days, the negotiated extension of the 2020 CBA expires, opening the possibility of a work stoppage.

But Project B could make the most of the long union standoff unfolding in the United States. Scheduled for November 2026, the women’s startup league will tour Europe and Asia in its inaugural season next year. The inaugural season will feature 66 players, all salaries in millions and receive equity in the league.

Jones announces his participation in Project B

Following historic announcements from Nneka Ogwumike and Alyssa Thomas, Freedom of New York forward Jonquel Jones revealed via Instagram that she will also join Project B in 2026.

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Jones, the 2024 WNBA Finals MVP, became the third active WNBA player to confirm his involvement in Project B, which has been criticized for allegedly receiving financial support from Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund (something co-founder Grady Burnett denied).

“I am very happy and very honored to announce that I will be joining Project B,” Jones said on Instagram. “To be able to continue to play against the best players in the world, (to) play with the best players in the world and to be able to discover new parts of the world. Let’s go.”