The WNBA and NBA are fighting to withhold pay from Mystics forward Elena Delle Donne and Pacers guard Victor Oladipo, as reported by ESPN (Delle Donne link and Oladipo link). Both players have announced that they do not intend to play in their leagues’ upcoming summer seasons.
Unlike several other players who have opted out without incident, Delle Donne and Oladipo present extenuating circumstances that have drawn attention from NBA and WNBA management.
Delle Donne and Lyme Disease
Delle Donne, the reigning WNBA MVP, has requested a medical excuse from the season based on the advice of her personal physician.