Jewell Loyd Joins Project B: Women’s Basketball Star Bets on the New League
Two-time Olympic gold medalist Jewell Loyd has announced her joining Project B, the innovative women’s basketball league scheduled to launch in Europe and Asia in November 2026. The news was communicated by the player herself through her social media. This announcement comes a day after Jonquel Jones, former WNBA MVP, confirmed her participation in this promising league, which offers players significant salaries and equity participation. Loyd, who contributed to the Las Vegas Aces’ third championship in four seasons, standing out from the bench for the first time in her career, already has three WNBA titles to her name.Jonquel Jones also shared her enthusiasm on social media, expressing her desire to continue competing against the best players in the world and to get to know new cultures. Alana Beard, Project B’s basketball director, highlighted the importance of Loyd and Jones to the league.Every step forward in this sport is an investment in what is possible. I believe in the direction that women’s basketball is taking, and the global momentum is real. I am excited to help shape what’s coming for the next generation.
Jewell Loyd
Both players join WNBA stars Nneka Ogwumike and Alyssa Thomas in this new league. Loyd, 32, has experience playing abroad and participated in Unrivaled’s inaugural season last year. Project B and Unrivaled will have overlapping dates in the future. Project B will have 66 players distributed across six teams. Each player will receive a salary higher than that currently offered by the WNBA and is also expected to exceed those of Unrivaled. While financial details haven’t been disclosed, the prospect of more lucrative compensation comes at a crucial time for professional women’s basketball. Interest in the sport has increased considerably in recent years, while the WNBA and the players’ union are in tense negotiations over a new collective bargaining agreement, primarily focused on salaries and revenue sharing. Project B plans to play its inaugural season until April 2027, which would not interfere with the usual WNBA schedule.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.
Alana Beard
