Project B Saudi funding controversy — Project B claims it’s not backed by Saudi Arabia, but new evidence says otherwise. Here’s the truth behind the denial.
Something about this whole Project B situation just doesn’t sit right anymore. Things are starting to get weird, and the league’s official line about its funding isn’t holding up under the slightest bit of scrutiny.
Project B, after announcing the signing of WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike, was immediately hit with questions about where the money’s coming from. And their response? “No Saudi involvement.” But that’s not exactly true, is it?
Because — surprise — there is a Saudi link.
The Saudi Connection They Don’t Want to Admit
CILA, a subsidiary of the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF), is listed as an event partner with the league. So while Project B isn’t directly backed by Saudi Arabia, it’s still working with a company owned by the Saudi government.
Let’s call it what it is: Saudi Arabia is involved — just not officially. It’s a convenient loophole. Technically correct, but completely misleading.
So yeah, they can say “we’re not Saudi-funded” with a straight face, but in reality? Saudi money is still in the room.
Activism Meets Hypocrisy
Here’s where things really get uncomfortable. The WNBA has spent years branding itself as the activist league. Players have taken bold political stances, spoken out on global issues, and even boycotted games for causes they believe in.
And yet, the same people who’ve preached about moral leadership are now signing up to play in a league that’s at least partially funded by the Saudi government — a regime known for human rights violations.
That’s the thing with selective outrage. When your league’s identity is built around activism, you can’t just turn that off when the money’s green. But here we are — and let’s be honest, the hypocrisy is thick.
Players Are in a Tough Spot
Now, let’s be fair for a second. For the players, this isn’t a black-and-white situation. It’s not as simple as “take the moral high ground or sell out.”
Saudi Arabia’s oil money is everywhere. From golf to soccer to Formula 1, to even esports — if you follow sports in any form, you’re already consuming Saudi-backed content whether you realize it or not.
That’s the thing: it’s practically impossible to avoid it. If you swore off every industry the PIF touched, you’d be left bouncing a ball against a wall for fun.
So yeah, the moral purity test doesn’t really work anymore. But still, the way Project B handled it — denying the obvious connection — that’s what makes people roll their eyes.
Money Talks, Morals Walk
Let’s be real: this whole conversation isn’t about ethics. It’s about money.
And when the league’s own “activist-in-chief,” Nneka Ogwumike, is the first to sign with Project B, the message is clear: “Money’s green. Saudi money’s green too.”
You can call it ironic. You can call it hypocritical. Both would be true. But at the end of the day, this is pro sports — and morals have never paid better than a multi-million-dollar deal.
The League’s Bigger Picture
Some people think the backlash could kill the league before it even gets started. But that’s wishful thinking.
Social media outrage might trend for a few days, but it doesn’t stop billion-dollar interests. If players walk away from Project B, another Saudi-linked company will just invest in Unrivaled or even the WNBA itself. That’s how this game works.
Money finds a way. Always.
The Hypocrisy We All Live With
Let’s not pretend the fans are immune to this either. People can scream “sportswashing” all they want, but when the games start? Everyone still tunes in.
We said the same thing about the LIV Golf Tour — and now it’s merged with the PGA. Soccer fans cried foul over Saudi ownerships — and still watch the Premier League every weekend.
So yeah, maybe it’s hypocritical. But if hypocrisy is the worst thing you can call someone, that’s a pretty human flaw. We all pick and choose our outrage when it’s convenient.
So, What Happens Next?
Project B will move forward. Players will cash in. Fans will watch. And the same people calling it dirty money today will be buying tickets tomorrow.
You don’t have to like it — but you can’t deny it’s fascinating to watch the WNBA’s most vocal activists now faced with the exact kind of dilemma they once condemned.
Maybe it’s not pure. Maybe it’s not ethical. But it is basketball — and that’s what most of these players want to do: hoop, compete, and get paid.
And honestly? That might just be enough.
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