Project B made headlines this week, as the offseason league told Front Office Sports it will adhere to Olympic and FIBA gender eligibility guidelines, citing “consistency and confidence for players and stakeholders.”
The IOC effectively barred trans athletes from competing in Olympic women’s sports earlier this year, with FIBA following suit as it continues reviewing basketball-specific data through 2027.
The news arrives as the media storm surrounding gender eligibility reaches new heights, after Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham spoke out against trans inclusion in women’s sports.
Commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s recently formed task force found “no immediate eligibility matters affecting the WNBA,” while the players union decried “hate, abuse, and demonization” directed at transgender people.
Project B has signed 15 players ahead of its January debut — including Cunningham and WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike.
