Sophie Cunningham signs million-dollar deal that challenges the WNBA

Sophie Cunningham took a step that could redefine the future of women’s basketball. After her 2025 season with Indiana Fever and six previous years with Phoenix Mercury, the guard became one of the faces of the ambitious Project B. This new international league promises to revolutionize both compensation and the influence of female athletes.

According to Marca, Sophie Cunningham signed a deal worth $2 million per year. That figure far exceeds the salaries many players earn in the WNBA. The contract includes a base salary but also offers equity shares in the league. The model aims to treat athletes as strategic partners, not just performers on the court.

This move places Sophie Cunningham at the center of a project designed to provide financial stability and global visibility. Historically, women’s basketball has faced limits in both areas, and the WNBA has struggled to close that gap.

Project B: a league with global ambition

Project B was founded by former tech executives and is backed by international investors. The league plans to launch in late 2026 with six teams and 66 players. Games will follow a 5-on-5 format across Europe, Asia, and Latin America.

PLAYER. PARTNER. OWNER. Sophie Cunningham

“Excited to join Project B’s athlete roster as they launch a new chapter in women’s basketball. Our game is exploding in popularity, and I’m all in on carrying that momentum forward in any way I can, both at home in the US and beyond.”… pic.twitter.com/1alEG4u9MQ

— PROJECT B (@projectb_global) November 25, 2025

The proposal seeks to stand apart from traditional leagues by staging contests on multiple continents and tapping into diverse markets. For Sophie Cunningham, this opportunity represents a push for the growth of women’s basketball. “Our game is growing in popularity, and I am ready to continue that momentum anywhere,” she said when announcing her decision.

Impact on the WNBA

Sophie Cunningham is not alone in this leap. High-profile names such as Nneka Ogwumike, Alyssa Thomas, Jonquel Jones, Jewell Loyd, and Kelsey Mitchell have also signed with Project B. Their presence gives immediate credibility to the initiative and shows that players are seeking new alternatives to enhance their careers. Ogwumike, the first to commit, emphasized that compensation and equity opportunities were decisive factors.

The arrival of Sophie Cunningham to Project B also increases pressure on the WNBA, which is negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement. The American league is working to raise minimum salaries and explore revenue sharing. However, with Project B offering million-dollar contracts and international exposure, the balance of power could shift significantly.

The signing of Sophie Cunningham with Project B is more than just another contract. It symbolizes transformation. The guard becomes a key piece of a project that promises to give women’s basketball the global platform it deserves. With competitive salaries, equity participation, and an international schedule, Project B opens a new chapter that could redefine the future of the sport.