While the WNBA and WNBPA have yet to reach consensus on the terms of the CBA, a rival draft is making moves that also attract some of the WNBA’s biggest stars. Especially since the discussions between the two authorities could potentially delay the start of the WNBA season.
Faced with real concerns about a possible lockout, people began speculating about alternatives. One project that is constantly making headlines is Project B, which purports to be an addendum project aimed at bringing the WNBA worldwide. Project B announced its initial plans to hold its first edition in Tokyo, Japan in March 2027. Kelsey Mitchell and Alyssa Thomas have also joined the Project B league.
Sabreena Merchant talked about it on No offseason: The athletic women’s basketball spectaclehighlighting how Project B can emerge as a rival to the WNBA, especially with March tour dates conflicting with WNBA preseason training.
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Sabreena said: “We reported during the CBA negotiations that the league had suggested training camps start in March. So that would directly conflict with when Project B players are supposed to be in Tokyo. We know they (the WNBA) aren’t really trying to get exclusivity, but if you need players to report to camp in March, you can’t really do that if they’re playing in Tokyo.”
The project is led by Grady Burnett, a former Facebook executive, and Geoff Prentice, co-founder of Skype. Former WNBA star Candace Parker and tennis veteran Novak Djokovic are on hand as advisors. Between them, Sophie Cunningham, Alyssa Thomas and Kelsey Mitchell committed to the project.
Cunningham also recently spoke about how the ABC discussions are going, and she didn’t mince her words. The Indiana Fever star criticized the WNBPA for its mismanagement.
Alyssa Thomas and Kelsey Mitchell currently play for the Laces and Hive, respectively, in the second season of Unrivaled Basketball. Unrivaled is a fast-paced 3×3 basketball league that primarily serves as an off-season option for players to stay in the United States instead of having to go play internationally for financial and fitness reasons.
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The WNBA should consider revamping its season schedule
As women’s basketball continues to grow in popularity and popularity, the WNBA’s schedule is slowly being called into question. The governing body announced the addition of two new franchises, Toronto and Portland, to the WNBA, with the expansion draft is about to take place as soon as the CBA agreement is concluded.
With the two new teams, the WNBA will now have 15 teams, with plans to expand that number to 18. More teams will inevitably mean a longer, more demanding season. Players need an offseason. There are also non-rival, draft and free agency periods to deal with, outside of the regular season and playoffs.
Sabreena Merchant gave the example of Unrivaled Basketball and how the addition of 2 new teams and the prospect of more games translated into an expanded schedule, something the WNBA can learn from. While negotiations over the CBA take place between the players and the WNBA, the governing body must also resolve scheduling issues, especially with Project B also coming into play starting in 2027.
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With stakeholders like Unrivaled and Project B also occupying part of the 2027 timeline, it will be important for all parties to reach consensus on the timeline if everyone is to coexist, which is what the other two were created to do.
The position Picks of Kelsey Mitchell and Alyssa Thomas highlight debate between Project B and WNBA – Reports appeared first on EssentiallySport.
