Project B Signs First International Stars for 2026 Launch

Project B, the ambitious new women’s basketball league, announced Thursday that it has signed its first three international players. With equity-rich contracts in hand, Brazil’s Kamilla Cardoso, France’s Janelle Salaün, and China’s Li Meng will join the roster, making a clear statement of the league’s global ambitions.

Who Are the New International Stars?

Kamilla Cardoso

Cardoso is a 23-year-old center for the Chicago Sky Sports Illustrated who was the team’s No. 3 pick in the 2024 draft. Despite games due to a preseason shoulder injury in her rookie season, she averaged 9.8 points and 7.9 rebounds.

In her sophomore 2025 season, she showed clear development with 13.6 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. Originally from Brazil, Cardoso previously spent WNBA off-seasons competing in China’s WCBA while also representing Brazil’s national team. She won two national championships at South Carolina before turning pro.

Janelle Salaün

The 24-year-old forward averaged 11.3 points per game and shot 40.6% from the floor in her first WNBA season as a regular starter for the Golden State Valkyries.

She shot 50% in their playoff run and is considered one of Golden State’s building blocks for the future. Salaün is French and was named to the WNBA All-Rookie team in 2025.

She currently plays overseas for USK Praha in the Czech Republic during the WNBA offseason.

Li Meng

Li Meng is a 30-year-old Chinese shooting guard born January 2, 1995, who stands 5’10” and plays for Sichuan Yuanda in the WCBA. She earned MVP honors at the 2010 FIBA Under-17 World Championship at age 15, averaging 15.4 points and 6.3 rebounds.

Her standout performance came at the 2022 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup where she led China to a silver medal. Li has represented China at multiple Olympics and World Cups. She also briefly played for the Washington Mystics in the WNBA in 2023.

Big Names from the WNBA Also Committed

Project B has already secured several high-profile WNBA stars. Former WNBA MVP Nneka Ogwumike, currently serving as president of the WNBPA, was among the first announced signings.

She is joined by Alyssa Thomas of the Phoenix Mercury, whose leadership and professionalism were praised by Project B executives.

Meanwhile, Jonquel Jones of the New York Liberty and Jewell Loyd of the Las Vegas Aces have also declared their commitment.

These WNBA players are reportedly being offered salaries in the multi-million-dollar range along with equity in the league.

What Is Project B All About?

Project B is building a Formula One-style, global women’s basketball league set to launch in November 2026 and concludes in April 2027. It plans to field six teams with 66 players, with rosters likely to be more than 50 percent foreign, underscoring its international scope.

The inaugural season will include seven two-week tour stops: three in Asia, three in Europe, and one in the Americas. League leaders say this structure aims for global fan engagement and calendar alignment that avoids direct conflict with the WNBA schedule.

Project B’s Potential Impact on Online Sportsbooks

Beyond its basketball vision, Project B could reshape the online sportsbooks market. By offering international tournaments in Asia, Europe, and the Americas, the league may drive betting volume across multiple regions.

Tour-based formats often fit well with live-betting models, and Project B’s global reach could attract sportsbooks to launch new markets or expand existing ones.

Additionally, the involvement of high-profile WNBA stars and top international talent could heighten visibility and betting interest. Analysts expect sportsbooks to monitor Project B’s betting potential as a fresh WNBA offseason alternative before its 2026 debut.

In signing Cardoso, Salaün, and Li Meng, Project B has taken a bold step toward globalizing women’s basketball. With its unique format, star rosters, and equity contracts, the league may transform both basketball play and global sports betting.