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Project B adds Russell Westbrook as co-founder

By Thomson Reuters Sep 2, 2026 | 11:24 AM

By Field Level Media

Sep 02 (Field Level Media) – Russell Westbrook is going back to work, joining Project B on Wednesday as ​a co-founder and its new chief ‌strategy officer.

The recently retired NBA superstar will help the upstart five-on-five women’s basketball league launch in early 2027.

“At every step of my career, what was most valuable to ‌me ​was making sure everyone ⁠had a seat at ⁠the table,” Westbrook said in a statement. “With Project B, we’re challenging the norm and bringing a new vision to the intersection of premium ​sport, culture, and entertainment. We’re reimagining the experience with players not only as key ⁠value drivers, but also as ⁠shareholders and decision makers.”

Westbrook, 37, announced ​his retirement this summer after earning an MVP ​award (2016-17), two scoring titles and nine All-Star selections ‌in an 18-year NBA career with seven teams. He is the league’s all-time leader with 209 triple- doubles.

The highest-profile addition to date to ⁠the Project B executive team, Westbrook will have an equity stake in the league and serve on its ⁠board of ‌directors, according to The Athletic.

Project ⁠B has signed several WNBA stars, ​including Nneka ‌Ogwumike, Jonquel Jones, Alyssa Thomas, ​Jewell Loyd, ⁠Kelsey Mitchell and Sophie Cunningham.

Project B, which also plans to add a men’s basketball component, features six teams with 11-player rosters. The league plans to play games in Asia, Europe and South America.

(–Field ​Level Media)