In a move that has sent shockwaves through the professional basketball world, Indiana Fever standout Sophie Cunningham has officially signed with “Project B,” a burgeoning women’s basketball league that is rapidly positioning itself as a formidable challenger to the status quo. The signing, which follows closely on the heels of fellow Fever star Kelsey Mitchell’s commitment to the same league, signals a potential mass exodus of top-tier talent from the WNBA and raises one burning question: Is Caitlin Clark next?

The “Project B” Bombshell

For months, whispers have circulated about a new, high-stakes competitor in the women’s basketball landscape. Dubbed “Project B,” this initiative is not merely another offseason exhibition circuit. Unlike the 3-on-3 “Unrivaled” league, Project B is championing traditional, full-court, 5-on-5 basketball—a format that purists and players alike view as the true heart of the sport.

But the real disruptor is the financial package. According to reports from Front Office Sports, Project B is luring players with annual salaries exceeding $2 million. To put that figure in perspective, the WNBA’s supermax salary last season sat just under $300,000. This nearly tenfold increase in earning potential isn’t just a raise; it’s a paradigm shift. It transforms professional women’s basketball from a passion-driven grind into a lucrative, high-stakes career path comparable to overseas markets, but played on a global platform that promises to elevate the game’s visibility.

Sophie Cunningham’s “Seismic” Decision

Sophie Cunningham, identified by Google Analytics as the third most popular player in the WNBA by search volume, is a massive acquisition for the new league. Her decision to join Project B is being described by analysts as a “bell tolling for the old way of doing things.”

Cunningham didn’t mince words regarding her choice. In a video statement, she expressed her excitement to join a roster of elite athletes but emphasized a broader mission: giving women’s basketball the platform it deserves, not just in the U.S., but globally. Her involvement immediately elevates Project B from an ambitious concept to “must-watch TV,” bringing with her a legion of devoted fans and a level of marketability that money usually can’t buy.

The Fever Exodus?

The implications for the Indiana Fever are particularly stark. With both Sophie Cunningham and Kelsey Mitchell—two of the team’s core pillars—now committed to Project B, the franchise faces an uncertain future. Technically, due to the nature of one-year deals and the current CBA rules, neither player is currently under contract with the Fever, leaving them free to explore these lucrative new waters.

This pattern of departures from a single organization suggests a gravitational pull that may be impossible to resist. It paints a picture of a league where players are finally seizing control of their financial destinies, refusing to settle for the limited economic structure of the WNBA while labor negotiations continue to stall on offering million-dollar salaries.

The Caitlin Clark Factor

Hovering over every development is the shadow of Caitlin Clark. As the undisputed face of modern women’s basketball, Clark’s next move dictates the market. With her Fever teammates setting the precedent, speculation has turned into a “full-on roar” that Clark’s entry into Project B is not a matter of if, but when.

“The stage is completely set,” noted one industry insider. “If they get Caitlin Clark, the league is going to be successful. It’s a runaway hit.”

Project B seems tailor-made for a star of Clark’s magnitude. The league boasts backing from sports icons like NFL MVP Steve Young and tennis legend Novak Djokovic, adding a layer of credibility and prestige. Furthermore, the league’s commitment to 5-on-5 play offers Clark the perfect environment to showcase her full court vision and shooting range, something a constrained 3-on-3 half-court game might limit.

A Battle for the Soul of the Sport

Project B is strategically launching during the WNBA offseason, meaning it won’t directly compete with the WNBA’s game schedule. However, it is in direct competition for the “soul of the offseason,” pitting itself against the “Unrivaled” league and potentially draining the talent pool available for other international commitments.

By securing names like Jonquel Jones, Jewell Loyd, Kamilla Cardoso, and now Cunningham and Mitchell, Project B has assembled an Avengers-level lineup. Notably, players like Jones and Cardoso bypassed the Unrivaled league entirely, signaling that the allure of 5-on-5 play and $2 million checks is winning the war for talent.

The Future is Now

As the WNBA grapples with contentious labor negotiations and players demanding their fair share of the revenue pie, Project B has stepped into the vacuum with a simple solution: pay the players what they are worth.

Sophie Cunningham’s signature is more than just a contract; it is a statement. The era of women athletes accepting less is over. With the financial floodgates open and the roster filling up with the world’s best, the pressure is now squarely on the WNBA to adapt or risk watching its biggest stars shine brightest in another league. And as the world waits for Caitlin Clark’s decision, one thing is certain: the game has changed, and it’s never going back.