Project B, an ambitious initiative founded by Skype co-founder Geoff Prentice and former Google/Facebook executive Grady Burnett, has attracted a remarkable lineup of investors. This illustrious group includes basketball stars Candace Parker and Lauren Jackson, tennis icons Novak Djokovic and Sloane Stephens, and NFL legend Steve Young.
This pioneering competition is envisioned with a format similar to Formula 1 or MotoGP: a series of six ten-day tournaments hosted across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. So far, only two host cities have been revealed: Tokyo and Valencia.
The first player to sign a contract with Project B was Nneka Ogwumike, the 2016 WNBA MVP and champion, and a ten-time All-Star. She is set to earn a substantial sum exceeding two million dollars.
“The growth of women’s sports is rivaling some of the most dramatic advancements in artificial intelligence right now,” Burnett stated. “It’s just extraordinary.”
This innovative league, alongside established competitions like the WNBA and NCAA, is beginning to draw top talent away from European clubs. Notable players already announced include Nneka Ogwumike, Sophie Cunningham, Jonquel Jones, Lithuanian Juste Jocyte, German Leo Fiebich, and Janelle Salaün. More French players are expected to join.
“Awa embodies the present and future of global basketball,” Alana Beard, Project B’s Director of Basketball, lauded. “She plays with confidence, creativity, and courage, naturally embracing the responsibility that comes with participating in this competition. Bringing Project B to Valencia with Awa as a leading figure makes this moment even more significant.”
Awa Fam, widely anticipated as a top pick in the upcoming WNBA draft, will be able to seamlessly transition to the American league directly after the Project B tour, with an expected salary of approximately $386,000.
