WNBA Loses to Project B! Kelsey Mitchell, Jonquel Jones & Kamilla Cardoso Choose Rival League

In a stunning shake-up that has sent shockwaves throughout the basketball world, three of the WNBA’s most recognizable stars—Kelsey Mitchell, Jonquel Jones, and rookie sensation Kamilla Cardoso—have reportedly committed to join the newly emerging Project B, a rival professional league positioning itself as a bold alternative to the WNBA. The move marks one of the most significant challenges to the league’s stability and competitive landscape since its inception.

Project B, which has been circulating quietly within sports business circles for months, is said to be backed by a combination of private investors, former athletes, and international partners. Its mission focuses on higher player salaries, expanded global visibility, and year-round competitive opportunities—an attractive package for athletes who have long balanced domestic league play with overseas contracts.

The first major shock came with news of Kelsey Mitchell’s planned departure. Known for her explosive scoring ability and consistency with the Indiana Fever, Mitchell has established herself as one of the league’s premier guards. Insiders suggest that Project B offered her a multi-year deal that not only surpasses her current salary but also includes revenue-sharing incentives designed to empower players as stakeholders.

Following Mitchell’s announcement, former MVP Jonquel Jones became the next name to surface. Jones, one of the most dominant frontcourt players in modern women’s basketball, brings star power, international appeal, and championship pedigree. Her decision signals not just a transfer of talent but a shift in leverage. Sources familiar with the discussions indicate that Jones was drawn to Project B’s promise of player-centered governance and a competitive calendar aligned with global tournaments.

The most surprising defection, however, is that of Kamilla Cardoso. The highly anticipated rookie, already a fan favorite due to her standout college career and imposing presence in the paint, was expected to be a foundational star for the WNBA’s next generation. Instead, her early commitment to the new league suggests that Project B is not merely targeting established veterans—it is actively positioning itself as a destination for rising talent seeking early financial security and broader opportunities.

The WNBA has not yet issued a formal response, but league officials are reportedly evaluating roster impacts, contractual obligations, and the larger implications for player retention. While the WNBA has recently made strides in improving salaries, travel standards, and visibility, the emergence of a well-funded competitor presents a challenge unlike any it has faced before.

Fans are divided. Some view the players’ decisions as a push for long-overdue reform in women’s professional basketball, applauding them for pursuing better conditions and a greater share of the sport’s growing revenue. Others worry about fragmentation, fearing that the diversion of star players could dilute the WNBA’s competitive balance and stall its momentum at a time of record-breaking viewership.

As details continue to emerge, one thing is clear: the launch of Project B—combined with the early commitments of Mitchell, Jones, and Cardoso—may represent the beginning of a new era. Whether this becomes a transformative moment or a destabilizing split will depend on how both leagues navigate the turbulent months ahead.