Get ready for a game-changer in women’s basketball: Juste Jocyte, the Golden State Valkyries’ top draft pick, is set to join the controversial Project B league, a move that’s sparking both excitement and debate in the sports world. Announced Wednesday morning, Jocyte will become the second Valkyries player to join this WNBA-offseason startup, which has already grabbed headlines for its bold promises and partnerships. But here’s where it gets controversial: Project B isn’t just another league—it’s offering players equity stakes and higher salaries than the WNBA or Unrivaled, the 3-on-3 league co-founded by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier. Is this the future of women’s basketball, or a risky gamble?
Project B, set to launch next November, will feature six teams with 11 players each, hosting seven two-week tournaments across Europe, Asia, and Latin America. The league’s schedule ensures players won’t miss WNBA games, which run from May to October. Leading the charge is Alana Beard, the league’s chief basketball officer, who previously championed bringing a WNBA team to Oakland. But the real controversy lies in Project B’s partnership with Sela, an entertainment company backed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF). While the league claims it’s not taking money from the PIF, critics argue the association raises ethical questions. And this is the part most people miss: does this partnership compromise the league’s values, or is it a necessary step to secure its financial future?
Jocyte, a 20-year-old Lithuanian forward, is no stranger to making waves. Drafted in the first round by the Valkyries before last season, she’s already a standout in the EuroLeague, averaging 14.2 points and 4.3 assists per game for Uni Girona. Her versatility and leadership were on full display during EuroBasket, where she guided Lithuania to a surprising knockout-round appearance. But adapting to Project B’s style won’t be easy. ‘It’s a very different style of play,’ Jocyte told the Chronicle in August. ‘It’s more physical, more individual, with more 1-on-1s. But the U.S. is starting to adapt to European styles, too.’ Her experience facing WNBA players at just 13 years old—during EuroBasket qualification games in 2018—and her FIBA accolades, including a U16 silver medal and a U18 gold, prove she’s up for the challenge.
Project B has already attracted several WNBA players, including Nneka Ogwumike, the WNBPA president and former Stanford star. But as the league gains momentum, the debate intensifies. Is Project B a revolutionary step forward for women’s basketball, or a divisive force that could fragment the sport? Let’s discuss—what’s your take on Project B’s potential impact? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
