WNBA All-Star Voices Thoughts on Azzi Fudd’s Project B Decision, Brings Up Steph Curry’s Influence

Even in her rookie season, No. 1 draft pick Azzi Fudd recently struck a deal with the overseas basketball league, Project B, to boost her experience in the offseason. Now, two-time WNBA All-Star Chiney Ogwumike has shared her two cents on Fudd’s decision.

“First of all, congratulations to Azzi,” Ogwumike said on the Fudd Around And Find Out podcast. “But I’m also excited to share that I am an advisor to Project B, because, as you know, basketball, I love it. Basketball just means so much to me, and being able to share the same globally has been my mission.”

“I feel like this is a great opportunity to fill the gap,” Ogwumike added. “Especially with women’s hoops and to be able to bring the game to so many more fans.”

Azzi Fudd’s decision is definitely interesting. With leagues like Unrivaled developing in the same offseason window, playing overseas wasn’t the only option for Fudd. Furthermore, with teammates like Paige Bueckers already signed with the 3-on-3 basketball league, Fudd’s alignment with the Unrivaled would have been even more plausible.

But it’s important to understand that Project B isn’t just about using the offseason. Instead, it’s slightly more than that. For instance, the Project B won’t be held in a single location. It is a Formula 1-inspired league that will be held across several cities in Europe, Asia, etc.

This won’t just allow Fudd to adapt to different situations but also help her to tap into her fan bases in those regions. Azzi Fudd already has a bit of a taste for that, as she took a tour with NBA veteran Steph Curry during the Curry brand world tour.

This might be one of the reasons Fudd is leaning towards the newly found Project B. Thus, Chiney Ogwumike also didn’t hesitate to credit Curry for his influence on these young women hoopers in that regard.

“Shout out to Steph for making sure women are front and center also because that’s not a normal experience,” Ogwumike said. “People see A’ja (Wilson) on her tours as well, like this is still very new for women’s basketball. And to see the hype around not just that but also like the fans for Azzi already, that to me was super cool.”

Jun 1, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings guard Azzi Fudd (35) looks on after the game against the Seattle Storm at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

In her latest exclusive interview with Fortune, the Dallas Wings guard also shed light on how her tour framed her mindset to sign overseas with the Project B.

“People who are fans of me all around the world—I’m so far from home, in a country I’ve never been to, and people cheer for me, give me gifts, and welcome me with open arms—it was such an unreal experience,” Fudd said. “It opened my eyes to just how much more is out there and how basketball can open the doors to so much.”

Notably, Azzi Fudd’s father, Tim Fudd, has also played overseas. So, that’s a direct inspiration for her as well to compete in the overseas leagues and boost her basketball portfolio. Nevertheless, Project B is also paying a handsome salary to its athletes.

According to a USA Today report, the starting contract in the league is valued at $2M annually. That is much higher than leagues like the Unrivaled. Furthermore, the league also has a player equity stake, another positive for Fudd. But for the Dallas Wings guard herself, her decision largely emphasized experience rather than materialization.

Azzi Fudd Opens Up About Her Decision to Join the Project B

Playing overseas has been a recurring trend in the WNBA for years now. We’ve seen legends like Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi, to modern greats like Breanna Stewart, to grace the overseas leagues. And now, Azzi Fudd joins that wide bracket of players.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Fortune.com, Fudd shed light on her decision. “I want to be able to broaden my experience and go outside of just America,” Fudd said.

Fudd noted the WNBA’s improved financial situation no longer forces players overseas, letting them focus on skill development.

“What’s incredible now is that players have that option: they can go if they want, they don’t have to, they can stay if they want,” Fudd had added. “It’s not forced”

The new CBA agreement has done wonders for the players in that regard, as they now earn handsome salaries. For instance, Fudd is the first No. 1 draft pick in league history to earn a staggering $500,000 salary. It has prompted players like Fudd to use their offseason wisely rather than just run for money.

Nevertheless, Project B will help Azzi Fudd immensely in developing her experience and skill set after her first season in the WNBA. Playing overseas will definitely pose new challenges for her, and she can also learn from top WNBA pros competing in the event, like Nneka Ogwumike, Alyssa Thomas, Kelsey Mitchell, and Sophie Cunningham.

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