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Liberty star, former WNBA MVP becomes the latest to join rival offseason league originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The WNBA’s reputation as the top women’s professional basketball destination in the world is increasingly under threat.
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Though EuroLeague Women and the 3-on-3 Unrivaled league both run during the WNBA offseason, the level of competition — and the salaries on offer — are greater than what the W has put on the table at different points in its 29-year history. The league’s continued collective bargaining battle against the WNBPA has proven bruising; in 12 days, the negotiated extension of the 2020 CBA expires, opening up the possibility of a work stoppage.
But Project B might gain the most from the protracted labor standoff taking place stateside. Set to tip off in November 2026, the startup women’s league will tour Europe and Asia over the course of its debut season next year. The inaugural season will feature 66 players — all making salaries in the millions and receiving equity in the league.
Jones announces her participation in Project B
Following historic announcements from Nneka Ogwumike and Alyssa Thomas, New York Liberty forward Jonquel Jones revealed via Instagram that she too is joining Project B in 2026.
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Jones, the 2024 WNBA Finals MVP, became the third active WNBA player to confirm their involvement in Project B, which has come under fire for allegedly receiving financial backing from Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund (something co-founder Grady Burnett has denied).
“I am super ecstatic and super honored to announce that I will be joining Project B,” Jones said on Instagram. “To be able to continue to play against the best players in the world, (to) play with the best players in the world and be able to see new parts of the world. Let’s get it.”
Jones, the 2021 WNBA MVP, lends Project B further credibility after it last month convinced WNBPA president Ogwumike and six-time All-Star Thomas to join the league earlier this month. Jones, who joined the Liberty in a trade from the Connecticut Sun in 2023, is a five-time All-Star who played a vital role in New York’s first-ever WNBA title win in 2024. She holds career averages of 13.4 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game, as well as 38 percent accuracy from 3-point range.
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