Paige Bueckers has reached a stage in her career where even a brief answer can spark days of discussion.
As one of the most visible figures in women’s basketball and the reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year with the Dallas Wings, she is now navigating a landscape filled with new leagues, bigger paydays, and constant speculation about what comes next.
That reality surfaced again during Day 1 of Unrivaled‘s virtual media day, where Bueckers appeared alongside Los Angeles Sparks forward Cameron Brink.
What began as a conversation centered on Unrivaled quickly drifted toward Project B, the startup women’s basketball league that has become one of the sport’s most talked-about future ventures.
Project B is expected to launch in November 2026, with plans to operate teams across Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
Several high-profile WNBA stars have already committed, including Nneka Ogwumike, Alyssa Thomas, Kelsey Mitchell, Jonquel Jones, Jewell Loyd, and Sophie Cunningham. With that list growing, Bueckers’ name was bound to come up.
When asked whether Project B had reached out to her directly, Bueckers chose not to open that door.
“We leave that to the agents,” Bueckers said on Monday.
It was a short response, but a deliberate one. Rather than fueling speculation, Bueckers leaned into a familiar approach that has defined much of her public presence – keeping business matters private and letting others handle the noise.
That restraint comes at a time when women’s basketball players have more leverage than ever. With new leagues offering alternative schedules, formats, and financial incentives, elite players are being asked to weigh long-term opportunity against short-term focus. For stars like Bueckers, every decision carries significance beyond the box score.
Unrivaled is set, while Project B remains an open question
While Project B may loom in the distance, Bueckers‘ immediate plans are already locked in. She is scheduled to compete in Unrivaled‘s 2026 season, which tips off Jan. 5. The 3-on-3 league has positioned itself as an offseason option that balances competitiveness with player control, something that has appealed to several top names across the WNBA.
Bueckers and Brink will be part of Breeze BC, one of Unrivaled‘s new expansion teams. The league recently announced that former Seattle Storm head coach Noelle Quinn will lead the squad, adding championship-level experience to the bench.
Breeze‘s roster also features Dominique Malonga, Rickea Jackson, Kate Martin, and Aari McDonald, creating a mix of youth, versatility, and star power.
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