As the WNBA tips off under a blockbuster new CBA, interest in offseason opportunities hasn’t wavered — with Dallas center Alanna Smith becoming the latest big name to join global 5×5 upstart Project B.
The news follows prior high-profile signings like LA’s Nneka Ogwumike, Phoenix’s Alyssa Thomas, and Las Vegas’s Jewell Loyd, while Smith’s former Australia teammate Lauren Jackson serves as a key league advisor.
“I see Project B as a showcase,” said Smith. “We’re going to showcase women’s basketball across the world and it gives different countries a chance to experience what the game can do for people.”
Described as the F1 of basketball, the league plans to run seven two-week tournaments across Europe, Asia, and North America starting in late 2026.
“There’s a big difference,” Indiana guard and Project B commit Kelsey Mitchell told Front Office Sports. “Project B gives you a chance to do both, go in and come out, whereas overseas basketball — you’ve gotta be over there eight months or seven months.”
As Unrivaled 3×3 and Athletes Unlimited continue to gain ground, this new venture is entering an increasingly crowded winter landscape — despite the WNBA’s recent regular-season salary boosts.
