Saudi-backed Project B League could redefine women’s basketball as major stars like Candace Parker and A’ja Wilson get linked. Here’s why this might change everything.
So listen — this new Saudi-backed women’s basketball league, called Project B, might actually be the real deal. People online are saying it’s not going to happen, that it’s too ambitious or that no one will take it seriously. But no — this thing is happening. And if you look closely at who’s behind it and the moves being made, this could genuinely shake up women’s basketball as we know it.
Novak Djokovic and Candace Parker Are Involved… Yeah, It’s Real
Let’s start here — one of the investors is Novak Djokovic, one of the greatest tennis players of all time. The man’s worth hundreds of millions, and when people like Novak throw their weight behind something, it’s not just for fun. Then you add in Candace Parker, a walking WNBA legend with two retired jerseys, business connections all across the league, and a serious reputation for making smart moves off the court.
That’s when you realize this isn’t just “some Saudi experiment.” This is an organized project backed by serious money and even more serious names.
Candace Parker’s Influence Could Bring WNBA Stars
Let’s be honest — Candace’s connections run deep. She’s got relationships with A’ja Wilson, Aaliyah Boston, Stewie, and basically half the WNBA. She even runs a podcast with Aaliyah Boston. So if Candace Parker’s advising or investing in Project B, don’t be shocked if Aaliyah ends up suiting up in this league too.
It’s not wild speculation. It’s smart business logic. If the money’s there, and the league has legitimacy, players are going to follow.
Project B Is Targeting Unrivaled — Not the WNBA
A lot of people think this league is trying to compete with the WNBA, but that’s not the move. The WNBA is growing; it’s solid. Project B’s real competition is Unrivaled, the 3v3 women’s league that’s been getting attention lately.
And here’s where things get spicy — Unrivaled is 3v3. Fun to watch, yes, but it’s a gimmick format long-term. Project B is going full 5v5. That’s what basketball purists love. That’s what fans understand.
So if you’re a top player getting paid $400K in Unrivaled and Project B comes along saying, “We’ll pay you ten times that to play 5v5 in world-class arenas,” what’s your answer going to be? Exactly — you’re saying yes.
Unrivaled Might Be Forced To Expand — Or Collapse
Here’s the thing — Unrivaled has been building hype, but it’s still small. Once Project B launches, Unrivaled’s only way to survive will be to expand massively and switch to 5v5. Otherwise, the players, the sponsors, and the fans will move over.
Juju Watkins already invested in Unrivaled — but if she sees Project B offering more exposure, more traditional basketball, and 10x the pay, how long before she (or others) make the switch?
The Money Behind It Is Basically Infinite
This is the wild part — the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) is backing Project B. That’s the same fund that’s been pumping billions into sports around the world — soccer, golf, F1, you name it.
And look, whether you agree with Saudi involvement or not, the truth is they have infinite money and a long-term plan. Oil isn’t going to last forever, so they’re investing everywhere to make sure the cash keeps flowing. That includes women’s sports, which are booming right now.
Don’t Expect Games in Saudi Arabia
Here’s a key point people keep misunderstanding — this league won’t be played in Saudi Arabia. The cultural issues around women’s sports there are still too strict. Just look at WWE — even they were cautious about sending female wrestlers there.
Project B games will most likely be played in America, Europe, and Asia. Think LA, New York, Sydney, Tokyo, Paris — real basketball cities. The Middle East won’t see a single matchup. It’s all about visibility and audience, not geography.
Possible Global Circuit
Rumor has it, the league could run a global format — maybe two rounds in America, one in Western Europe, one in Eastern Europe, another in Australia, and one across China or Japan. That’s eight stops, total. A real world tour feel — and something Unrivaled could only dream of doing right now.
Why This Changes Everything
If Candace Parker brings Aaliyah Boston on board, and if even a few All-Stars jump ship for the money, Project B could debut with as many All-Stars as Unrivaled — in its first season.
And if that happens, it’s game over for Unrivaled unless they pull off a major funding miracle. Because like it or not, 5v5 full-court basketball is the real product. 3v3 feels like streetball compared to it.
So yeah — this league isn’t just another “Saudi project.” It’s a power move backed by smart investors, legendary players, and global reach.
Conclusion:
Project B might not replace the WNBA — but it could redefine what’s possible in women’s basketball. Bigger checks, global games, 5v5 format, superstar investors — this is the kind of disruption that could finally make women’s basketball as profitable and visible as it deserves to be.
The only question left is: who’s brave enough to join first?
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