Jewell Loyd Joins Project B, the New Women’s Basketball League
Two-time Olympic gold medalist Jewell Loyd has announced her joining of Project B, the innovative women’s basketball league that plans to start its activity in Europe and Asia in November 2026. Loyd made her decision public on Tuesday through her social media, one day after former WNBA MVP Jonquel Jones confirmed her participation in this promising league, which offers players high salaries and equity participation. Loyd, who contributed to the success of the Las Vegas Aces by winning their third championship in four seasons, playing a role off the bench for the first time in her career, already has three WNBA titles to her name.Jonquel Jones, for her part, expressed her enthusiasm on social media for “being able to continue playing against the best players in the world, playing with the best players in the world and being able to see new parts of the world”. Alana Beard, Project B’s basketball director, commented that “Jonquel and Jewell represent the core principles of Project B: elite talent, global impact, and leadership beyond the court. Both have defined excellence in their own way and are now redefining what is possible for players and fans around the world. Having them as partners and owners reinforces everything we are building.” These prominent players join WNBA stars Nneka Ogwumike and Alyssa Thomas in this new league. Loyd, 32, has participated in the last two offseasons with Unrivaled, in its inaugural season last year. She will return in January to this 3-on-3 league, which also features other prominent WNBA players. Project B and Unrivaled will coincide in dates in the future.Every step we take in this sport is an investment in what is possible. I believe in the future of women’s basketball and the global momentum is real. I am excited to help shape what’s coming for the next generation.
Jewell Loyd
Project B will be composed of 66 players distributed across six teams. Each player will receive a salary higher than what is currently offered in the WNBA, and it is expected that they will also be higher than those of Unrivaled. Although specific financial details have not been disclosed, the possibility of more lucrative compensation comes at a crucial time for professional women’s basketball. Interest in this sport has grown noticeably in recent years, while the WNBA and the players’ union are in tense negotiations over a new collective bargaining agreement, with much of the dispute centered on salaries and revenue sharing. Project B plans to play its inaugural season until April 2027, which will not interfere with the usual WNBA schedule.We trust in what we have built in collaboration with our athletes, partners, and investors. We maintain a consistent stance on paying players competitively, providing them with significant participation in the business, and keeping them at home throughout the year.
Alex Bazzell, President of Unrivaled
