A single moment on Sophie Cunningham’s podcast turned what seemed like a harmless detail into one of the biggest WNBA conversations of the week. Her story about pitching Project B to Caitlin Clark instantly went viral, pulling fans into a heated debate about loyalty, opportunity, and who truly holds the power in women’s basketball today.
Sophie Cunningham entered this offseason expecting a fresh start after falling short of the 2025 WNBA Finals. She had already committed to Project B, a new global league launching in 2026 promising higher salaries, equity stakes, and world travel. Teaming up with Kelsey Mitchell was already exciting, but Cunningham wanted one more big name to solidify the vision. So she called Caitlin Clark. Clark’s answer was short. She simply said no.
Cunningham shared that moment casually on her podcast Show me something, but it took less than an hour for the internet to explode. Supporters of Clark praised her for staying committed to the WNBA, something she has emphasized throughout her career. Fans also referenced earlier reporting showing she had previously declined other offseason leagues like Unrivaled in order to stay focused on Team USA and her long-term goals.
On the other side of the debate, critics questioned Cunningham’s intentions. Some accused her of using Clark’s name to boost attention for her new league after her own visibility skyrocketed following the June confrontation involving Clark. That moment led to major endorsements and a surge in public attention, making every Clark-related comment feel amplified.
The discussion grew even louder because of ongoing CBA negotiations. Fans argued that revealing Clark’s refusal publicly could impact players’ leverage. Many believe rival leagues could strengthen players’ bargaining power by showing they have options outside the WNBA. To those critics, Cunningham’s disclosure took a strategic advantage off the table at the wrong time.
Still, Clark’s choice aligns with her known priorities. USA Basketball remains a major focus for her as she heads into the December 12 training camp wearing the No. 17 jersey. After missing the last Olympic cycle due to NCAA commitments, she is determined to secure her path toward the 2028 Los Angeles Games. A world-traveling league simply didn’t fit into that schedule.
Project B remains a major talking point for fans, and Cunningham still has an exciting new chapter ahead. But once her story about Clark surfaced, the conversation shifted from hype to controversy. Anytime Caitlin Clark says no, the basketball world listens and reacts fast.
Comment Section Prompt
What do you think about Caitlin Clark turning down Project B? Was her decision smart or surprising?
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