As the October 31 Collective Bargaining Agreement deadline approaches, uncertainty looms and now Caitlin Clark‘s future in the Indiana Fever and WNBA could be at very risk itself.
Influenced by developments off the court, a new league is offering unprecedented financial incentives and could draw in the 23-year-old, who is by far the biggest name in women’s basketball.
The league, known as Project B, was developed by Grady Burnett, a former Google and Facebook executive. It aims to become a global platform for women’s basketball. It’s here to take over the market.
Running November through April to avoid conflict with the WNBA season and attracting top talent worldwide, rumors of a potential $50 million offer for Clark have set off discussions in basketball circles.
“50 million was one of the numbers that they could reportedly throw at a player like Caitlin Clark,” Rachel DeMita said on her podcast, referencing an emerging international league that could rival existing women’s competitions.
Project B‘s advisory board already includes notable names such as Candace Parker, Steve Young, Novak Djokovic, and Sloane Stephens. Perhaps most notably, the Saudi Public Investment Fund is a key backer.
That means the league will have the financial firepower to offer deals far exceeding current WNBA salaries for elite stars like Clark, blowing their main competitor out of the park.
“I could see them going after players like Caitlin, like Angel, like Paige, like A’ja,” DeMita added. “Could you imagine what would happen to the WNBA if they get some of the league’s biggest stars?”
Clark could theoretically follow a path similar to Diana Taurasi, who spent time overseas before returning to the WNBA.
Yet Caitlin has already rejected offers like $15 million from Big3, raising questions about whether Project B‘s setup-six teams, seven two-week tournaments across Asia, Europe, and the Americas-would appeal enough to convince her to leave.
Could Project B reshape women’s basketball globally?
DeMita shared her firsthand perspective from working on Saudi projects, suggesting the opportunity could be enticing.
“I actually did a TED talk there,” Rachel added. “They paid me very well and took care of us-it felt like we were royalty.
“We stayed in the nicest hotel, had a chaperone and someone with us at all times.”
Why could Caitlin Clark quit the WNBA for Project B?
The Saudi PIF pays very handsomely, with the funding body allowing boxing’s Canelo Alvarez to make $100,000,000 for his clash with Terence Crawford in a $400m four-fight deal. Whilst Tyson Fury made over $76m for his clash with Oleksander Usyk.
But it isn’t just money either as world-class facilities and player safety are critical factors too.
WNBA athletes have fought for decades for basic amenities such as chartered flights and quality practice spaces and even today, some players must contend with substandard gyms.
That makes the luxurious conditions of Project B particularly attractive with the combination of safety, infrastructure, and financial reward could create a compelling case for Clark to explore Project B.
Players may view it as a unique opportunity to experience a first-class professional environment, contrasting sharply with the ongoing limitations faced in existing leagues despite recent improvements.
While Clark continues to rehab from a groin injury and may skip additional time in Unrivaled, her position as a rising star keeps her in high demand.
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