Delle Donne’s Opt-Out Request Is Denied

“I love my team, and we had an unbelievable season last year, and I want to play,” she told ESPN. “But the question is whether or not the W.N.B.A. bubble is safe for me.”

The league has not commented on Delle Donne’s case. It ordinarily does not comment on matters like this because of medical privacy issues.

The W.N.B.A. plans to hold its season in Bradenton, Fla. Like other professional leagues, it will test players for the coronavirus, keep them in a “bubble” to reduce the risk of transmission and not allow fans at games.

Despite such precautions, a number of players in various sports, including some stars, have decided not to play in their makeshift seasons. Among them are Megan Rapinoe of the National Women’s Soccer League, Ryan Zimmerman and David Price of Major League Baseball and Wilson Chandler of the N.B.A.

The W.N.B.A.’s regular season, shortened to 22 games per team, will run until Sept. 12 with playoffs to follow.

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/14/sports/basketball/wnba-delle-donnes-opt-out.html