Project B, a groundbreaking new basketball competition, has secured the signing of Spanish prodigy Awa Fam, further intensifying its burgeoning impact on the European basketball landscape. Founded by tech visionaries Geoff Prentice (co-founder of Skype) and Grady Burnett (a former executive at Google and Facebook), Project B is backed by a formidable roster of investors.
Among its high-profile financial supporters are basketball legends Candace Parker and Lauren Jackson, tennis icons Novak Djokovic and Sloane Stephens, and NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young. This star-studded endorsement highlights the league’s ambitious vision.
The competition is designed with a unique, tour-based format reminiscent of Formula 1 or MotoGP. It will feature six ten-day tournaments held across three continents: the Americas, Europe, and Asia. So far, two prestigious host cities have been announced: Tokyo and Valencia, signaling Project B’s global aspirations.
Project B made headlines early with its inaugural major signing: Nneka Ogwumike. The 2016 WNBA MVP and champion, and ten-time All-Star, reportedly secured a contract valued at over two million dollars, setting a new benchmark for player compensation in women’s basketball.
“The growth of women’s sports rivals the most dazzling advances in artificial intelligence currently,” stated Grady Burnett. “It’s simply extraordinary.”
This innovative league, much like the WNBA and NCAA, is already beginning to attract top talent away from established European clubs. In addition to Nneka Ogwumike, other prominent players who have committed include Sophie Cunningham, Jonquel Jones, Lithuania’s Juste Jocyte, Germany’s Leo Fiebich, and Janelle Salaün. More French players are anticipated to join the ranks.
“Awa embodies the present and future of global basketball,” remarked Alana Beard, Project B’s Director of Basketball. “She plays with confidence, creativity, and courage, and naturally embraces the responsibility that comes with participating in this competition. Bringing Project B to Valencia with Awa as a figurehead makes this moment even more significant.”
Awa Fam, who is widely projected to be a top pick in the upcoming WNBA draft, will be able to seamlessly transition into the American league following the conclusion of the Project B tour. Her anticipated WNBA salary is expected to be around $386,000, underscoring the lucrative opportunities this new ecosystem is creating for elite female athletes.
