BREAKING: WNBA Will BAN Players Who Join Project B?!

The world of women’s basketball was thrown into chaos this week as rumors swirled that the WNBA is preparing to ban any player who joins Project B, the new initiative launched by former Indiana Fever star Kelsey Mitchell. The possible ban has ignited fierce debate, with fans, players, and analysts weighing in on what could become one of the most controversial moments in league history.

It all began when Mitchell, a respected veteran and one of the league’s top scorers, shocked the sports community by announcing her departure from the WNBA to focus on Project B—a platform dedicated to empowering female athletes, promoting equality, and providing new opportunities outside traditional basketball pathways. The initiative quickly gained traction, attracting support from other athletes, celebrities, and sponsors.

However, the rapid rise of Project B appeared to unsettle WNBA leadership. According to sources close to the league, executives grew concerned that Project B’s popularity could siphon talent and attention away from the WNBA, threatening its status as the premier destination for women’s basketball. Tensions reached a boiling point when several active players expressed interest in collaborating with Project B, attending its events, and even considering leaving the league to join the movement full-time.

In response, rumors began circulating that the WNBA was drafting a policy to ban any player who officially affiliates with Project B. The alleged ban would prevent these athletes from participating in WNBA games, attending league events, or signing contracts with any WNBA team. The news, though not yet officially confirmed, spread rapidly through social media and sports news outlets.

Players were quick to react. Some voiced their outrage, calling the potential ban a “major overreach” and “a step backward for women’s sports.” Others said they understood the league’s concerns but believed there must be a way for the WNBA and Project B to coexist. Star guard Maya Williams tweeted, “Empowering athletes shouldn’t be a punishable offense. The league needs to listen, not silence.”

Kelsey Mitchell herself responded in a heartfelt video posted to Project B’s official channel. “Project B was created to lift women up, not tear anyone down,” she said. “We want to work with the WNBA, not against it. If the league chooses to ban players for joining us, it sends the wrong message to every young girl who dreams of playing basketball and making a difference.”

The controversy quickly spilled into mainstream media. Talk shows, podcasts, and news programs debated the ethics of the WNBA’s rumored ban. Legal experts weighed in, suggesting that such a policy could lead to lawsuits and damage the league’s reputation. Sponsors and advertisers expressed concern, with some threatening to pull out if the ban went into effect.

Meanwhile, fans organized online petitions and rallies in support of the players’ right to choose their own path. “Basketball is about more than just the game—it’s about community and growth,” said one fan at a rally outside league headquarters. “The WNBA should be proud that its players want to make a difference.”

As pressure mounted, WNBA Commissioner Lisa Franklin released a statement. While stopping short of confirming the ban, she acknowledged the league’s concerns and promised to meet with players and Project B representatives. “Our goal is to protect the integrity and future of the WNBA while supporting our athletes’ passions and ambitions,” Franklin said. “We are committed to finding a solution that respects everyone involved.”

Negotiations began behind closed doors, with both sides hoping to reach a compromise. Some suggested that the league could allow players to participate in Project B events during the offseason, while others advocated for a partnership between the WNBA and Project B to promote women’s sports more broadly.

In the end, the situation highlighted the growing pains of a league trying to balance tradition with innovation. The outcome remained uncertain, but one thing was clear: the conversation around Project B had sparked a new era of activism and ambition among women athletes. Whether the WNBA chooses to ban players or embrace change, the story will shape the future of the sport for years to come.