Project B, the new global basketball league founded by tech executives Grady Burnett and Geoff Prentice, announced that its first women’s competition will take place in Hangzhou, China, from Jan. 19‑24, 2027. The six‑team, five‑on‑five tournament will be paired with entertainment and cultural programming, mirroring the city‑wide spectacle of Formula One events.
Before the Hangzhou stop, the league will hold a draft and training camp in Seoul, South Korea, Jan. 6‑12. Subsequent stops are slated for Valencia, Spain (Mar. 12‑21) and Tokyo, Japan (Mar. 26‑Apr. 4), with plans to expand to Europe and eventually the Americas.
Investor backing and star power
Project B’s investor roster includes athletes Steve Young, Candace Parker, Sloane Stephens and Novak Djokovic. Co‑founder and chief operating officer Grady Burnett said the league aims to meet fans “where they are” by traveling to major cities rather than expecting fans to travel to a single venue.
Chinese national team star Li Meng will join NBA veteran Russell Westbrook and former WNBA champion Alana Beard for the Hangzhou announcement. Additional WNBA talent signed includes Nneka Ogwumike, Azzi Fudd, Alyssa Thomas and Sophie Cunningham.
Focus on women’s basketball and future expansion
Burnett emphasized that launching with a women’s competition reflects the rapid growth in viewership, attendance and investment for women’s basketball. A men’s program is also in development, with Westbrook serving as co‑founder and chief strategy officer for that side of the business.
The league intends to avoid scheduling conflicts with the WNBA and international basketball calendars, positioning the tour as an additional platform for players to compete and expand their global audiences.
What this means for fans
Hangzhou, known for its technology hub and scenic West Lake, will host a festival‑style event that blends high‑level competition with city‑specific experiences. The free‑to‑watch format on YouTube aims to broaden the reach of women’s basketball worldwide.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
