Global Basketball Revolution: Project B’s Ambitious New League Explained

In a move that could shake up professional basketball, Project B is trying to launch an international league to rival the NBA and WNBA. The project, led by former Google and Facebook executive Grady Burnett and Skype co-founder Geoff Prentice, is putting women’s basketball at the forefront.

Maverick Carter recently left the project, but the team is pushing ahead. Their goal is to build a global league and open up new opportunities for players everywhere.

The Genesis of Project B

Burnett and Prentice, who were college roommates at the University of Michigan, came up with the idea for Project B. They want to build a league where players get higher salaries and a piece of the company, kind of like early employees at a tech startup.

This equity model is a big shift from how most sports leagues operate. Players would have more say—and more to gain—if the league succeeds.

Initial Focus on Women’s Basketball

Project B plans to start with a women’s league made up of six teams, each with 11 players. They’ll compete in seven two-week tournaments across Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

The league’s first season is set for next fall, running from November through April. That schedule avoids direct overlap with the WNBA but does line up with Unrivaled, another new league.

High-Profile Involvement and Investment

The project has already caught the attention of some big names. Investors and advisors include Candace Parker, Steve Young, Novak Djokovic, and Sloane Stephens.

Alana Beard, a former WNBA player, will take on the role of chief basketball officer. Sela, the Saudi-owned Public Investment Fund’s entertainment company, is also on board as a partner, and the league will be based in Singapore.

Financial and Strategic Goals

Burnett and Prentice are chasing a multi-billion dollar business by tapping into the growing buzz around women’s sports. They’re offering salaries much higher than the WNBA, which could lure top players from all over.

The league has started talks with some WNBA stars and already signed a handful of players. It feels like a bold bet on the future of the sport.

Equity and Player Participation

Project B stands out for its focus on player equity. Burnett argues that since players are the league’s core, they deserve a real stake in its success.

This approach could help fix the frustration many athletes feel about missing out on the financial upside of their sport.

Global Expansion and Market Reach

Project B wants to connect with basketball fans beyond the U.S., bringing the game to a wider audience. While they’re starting with women’s basketball, there’s talk of eventually adding a men’s league.

They say the league is meant to add to the basketball world, not just compete with what’s already out there.

The Role of Maverick Carter and LeBron James

Maverick Carter, LeBron James’ longtime business partner, was involved early on but has since stepped away. That’s led to a lot of chatter about what’s next, especially regarding a possible men’s league.

Even with Carter gone, Burnett says they could still move forward with plans for men’s basketball. Nothing’s set in stone yet.

LeBron James’ Potential Involvement

People have been buzzing about whether LeBron James might join Project B, especially after he showed up in an Instagram photo with Carter and NBA agent Miško Ražnatović. But Burnett says there’s been no talk with James about joining.

A source close to James says he’s focused on finishing his NBA career and isn’t involved in Project B right now. Maybe that’ll change someday, but for now, it’s a no.

Comparisons to LIV Golf

With Saudi partners and the promise of big salaries, some folks are comparing Project B to LIV Golf. The idea of equity and more money could pull in top talent, but the league will have to work through possible conflicts with existing leagues like the NBA.