Another WNBA star has joined the new Saudi-backed basketball league, Project B. And this time, it’s Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas.
Thomas is the second high-profile basketball player to announce their decision to play in the offseason league, after Nneka Ogwumike who told the Associated Press about her choice to join Project B a week ago.
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The new league is set to hit the courts in Europe and Asia at the end of 2026. Following the Mercury star’s latest decision, Project B’s chief basketball officer Alana Beard told the AP about Thomas’ membership:
Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
“Alyssa is the kind of player and person you build around. leadership, competitiveness, and professionalism elevate everyone around her.
“As one of the most respected players in the world, she represents the new era of player partnership and global competition that Project B stands for,” Beard added.
The announcements of both players comes in the wake of the WNBA’s CBA negotiations, which have created a tense relationship between the WNBPA and the league’s leadership.
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While Alyssa Thomas’ decision to join Project B won’t interfere with her WNBA duties as both leagues don’t overlap, it still highlights the players’ dedication to securing their financial demands, as Project B offers high salaries and even an equity stake in the league.
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