Jewell Loyd Joins Project B: WNBA Star to Global Women’s League

Jewell Loyd Joins Project B, the New Women’s Basketball League

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Jewell Loyd has announced her joining Project B, the new women’s basketball league that plans to start its activities in Europe and Asia in November 2026. The news was announced by Loyd herself through her social media on Tuesday, a day after former WNBA MVP Jonquel Jones confirmed her participation in the emerging league, which offers players high salaries and equity participation. Loyd, who contributed to the Las Vegas Aces’ triumph in their third championship in four seasons, playing a role off the bench for the first time in her career, thus adds three WNBA titles to her record.

Every step we take in this sport is an investment in what is possible. I believe in the direction that women’s basketball is taking, and the momentum worldwide is real. I am excited to help shape what is coming for the next generation.

Jewell Loyd

Jonquel Jones, for her part, expressed her enthusiasm on social media for “continuing to play 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 on the incorporation of both players:

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

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. Although 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, and the WNBA along with its players’ union are in tense negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement, with much of the discussion focused on salaries and revenue distribution. Project B plans to play its inaugural season until April 2027, which would not interfere with the usual WNBA schedule.