Azzi Fudd, the highly-touted number one pick from the 2026 WNBA Draft, has officially declared her commitment to Project B for her upcoming offseason engagements, bypassing Unrivaled. This announcement, made by Fudd on Friday, marks a pivotal moment for the nascent global basketball enterprise.
Fudd, who was drafted by the Dallas Wings, stands as the most prominent athlete to align with Project B. This new organization, conceptualized in 2023 by tech innovators Grady Burnett and Geoff Prentice, aims to kick off its inaugural tournament play across the Americas, Europe, and Asia in December. Project B distinguishes itself as a 5-on-5 league, contrasting with Unrivaled, a 3-on-3 league operating from South Florida, which was established by Fudd's former UConn teammates, Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, to offer an alternative to playing internationally during the WNBA's break. This strategic decision by Fudd is especially notable given her previous association with Unrivaled's NIL initiative while she was a student at UConn.
In a statement provided to The Athletic by Project B, Fudd expressed her enthusiasm for the global nature of basketball and the opportunity to engage with diverse cultures, aligning perfectly with Project B's vision. Alana Beard, serving as Project B's chief basketball officer, lauded Fudd's decision as a significant milestone, underscoring its importance to the venture. A roster of other WNBA stars, including Nneka Ogwumike and Candace Parker, are also among the investors and advisors, further cementing Project B's ambitious plans to host 66 players organized into 11 teams for a series of seven two-week tournaments in cities such as Tokyo and Valencia.
Azzi Fudd's choice to join Project B not only highlights the evolving landscape of women's professional basketball but also underscores the growing opportunities for athletes to pursue their careers globally. Her forward-thinking decision reflects a commitment to expanding her horizons and embracing new challenges, setting a positive example for aspiring athletes worldwide.
