PHOENIX — The WNBA is currently enjoying a golden era of viewership and mainstream attention, largely fueled by the meteoric rise of Caitlin Clark. But behind the sold-out arenas and record-breaking TV ratings, a storm is brewing that could threaten the very existence of the league as we know it. In a candid and explosive revelation, WNBA guard Sophie Cunningham has cast a stark light on the financial disparities facing players, delivering a forecast that has fans and executives alike hitting the panic button.

The catalyst for this turmoil? “Project B”—a shadowy but deep-pocketed new professional women’s basketball league that is reportedly preparing to make offers the WNBA simply cannot match.

The Multi-Million Dollar Dilemma

In a recent interview that has since gone viral, Sophie Cunningham addressed the rumors surrounding the new league with brutal honesty. “If people are going to be paying you multi-million dollar deals, why would you not listen?” she asked.

It is a question rooted in cold, hard mathematics. The current maximum salary in the WNBA hovers around $240,000, with many impact players earning significantly less. In contrast, reports indicate that Project B is preparing to offer contracts in the range of $2 million to $3 million for a season that runs from November to April—traditionally the WNBA’s off-season.

For players like Cunningham, the choice represents a fork in the road between loyalty and life-changing financial security. “Sophie put it simply: she wants to buy a house,” reports from the video analysis highlight. “That’s not a luxury request; that’s basic financial security.”

The Exclusivity Trap

The situation is complicated by ongoing Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations. The WNBA is reportedly pushing for “exclusivity clauses” that would prevent players from competing in other leagues. Historically, this was designed to stop stars from risking injury overseas. However, when the alternative is a domestic rival offering ten times the salary for half the work, the leverage shifts dramatically.

If the WNBA forces players to choose, the fear is that they will choose the money. “Project B would instantly become the main employer, and the WNBA would just be a side gig,” analysts warn. “The entire power dynamic would completely flip.”

Impact on Caitlin Clark and the Fever

The ripple effects of this potential exodus are being felt most acutely in Indiana. The Fever, led by generational talent Caitlin Clark, are desperate to build a championship-contending roster. Reports suggest the team has had its sights on players with Cunningham’s skillset—tough defenders who can stretch the floor—to complement Clark’s playmaking.

However, the Fever are hamstrung by the WNBA’s salary cap. They cannot offer “generational wealth.” If top-tier role players and stars alike bolt for Project B, Clark could find herself stranded on a depleted roster, surrounded by replacement-level talent. The video source paints a grim picture: “Imagine if the Fever lose their targets to Project B. Suddenly, Caitlin is surrounded by players who can’t finish plays. The offense grinds to a halt, and those casual fans who showed up for exciting basketball disappear.”

A Stalled CBA and a Looming Lockout

Adding fuel to the fire is the stagnant state of negotiations between the WNBA and the Players Association. Cunningham noted that communication has been sparse, stating, “I don’t think there’s been much movement.”

With the current agreement set to expire and the threat of a 2026 lockout looming, the timing of Project B’s emergence is catastrophic for the WNBA. A labor stoppage would leave the door wide open for a rival league to swoop in and sign players who need to earn a living.

The Verdict

The WNBA has spent 27 years asking for patience and loyalty, building a brand on the promise of future growth. But as Sophie Cunningham’s comments illustrate, the players are done waiting. The arrival of a competitor willing to pay market value for elite talent has exposed the cracks in the WNBA’s business model.

“The WNBA finally proved it could be commercially viable,” the report concludes. “But now they might lose their best players because they can’t turn that attention into actual player compensation fast enough.”

As free agency approaches, all eyes are on players like Cunningham. Their decisions will not just determine where they play next season—they could decide the future of professional women’s basketball in America. For the WNBA, the warning is clear: Pay up, or risk being left behind.