Source: Fortune
Summary
Azzi Fudd, the No. 1 draft pick of 2026 and star of the Dallas Wings, has joined Project B, an international men’s and women’s basketball league being built by a former Facebook exec and advised by LeBron James’ business partner Maverick Carter. Project B is planning to debut in January with “grand prix-style” basketball in six cities, including Tokyo and Valencia, Spain. The league offers players equity in the business and is seeking to build a competitive landscape in basketball. Fudd, who already has major sponsorships in the US, is looking to build her fandom abroad. Other players who have signed on to Project B include Nneka Ogwumike, Alyssa Thomas, Kelsey Mitchell, and Jewell Loyd.
Our Reading
The numbers tell one story.
Project B is positioning itself as a viable alternative to the WNBA and NBA, with a unique business model that offers players equity and a global stage. Fudd’s decision to join the league is a sign that top players are looking for new opportunities beyond traditional leagues. The league’s focus on building a competitive landscape in basketball is ambitious, and its ability to attract top talent will be crucial to its success. Meanwhile, the WNBA and NBA are becoming more international themselves, with higher salaries and more players from outside the US. Project B’s strategy of “extending the careers of established players” from the NBA will be closely watched.
Players like Fudd are no longer forced to choose between playing in the US or abroad; they can now build their personal brands and gain sponsorship opportunities globally.
Author: Evan Null
