Jewell Loyd Joins Project B 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. Loyd made her decision public on Tuesday through social media, one day after former WNBA MVP Jonquel Jones confirmed her participation in this emerging league that offers players high salaries and equity participation. Loyd, who contributed to the Las Vegas Aces’ triumph in their third championship in four seasons, played an important role off the bench for the first time in her career. With this achievement, she has three WNBA titles.Jonquel Jones also expressed her enthusiasm on social media, stating her desire to “keep playing against the best players in the world, play with the best players in the world and be able to see new parts of the world”.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 momentum worldwide is real. I am excited to help shape what’s coming for the next generation.
Jewell Loyd
Both players join WNBA All-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 have overlapping dates in the future. Project B will have 66 players distributed across six teams. Each player will receive a salary higher than those currently offered by 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 an important time for women’s professional basketball. As interest in the sport has increased in recent years, 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 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, Director of Basketball, Project B
