The WNBA players union decided to opt out of the current collective bargaining agreement, two years before its expiration. The league and players union had the option to do so before Nov. 1.

The early opt-out marks a crucial juncture for the league. The WNBA signed a historic 11-year media rights deal worth $200 million a year.

The league had record attendance and viewership this year that culminated in the WNBA Finals that saw New York beat Minnesota in overtime on Sunday in a decisive fifth game.

“This is a defining moment not just for the WNBA, but for all of us who believe in progress,” WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike said Monday. “The world has evolved since 2020 and we cannot afford to stand still. If we stay in the current agreement, we fall behind. This is a new era and we are ready to lead transformational change.”

The league has been skyrocketing, with 2024 marking a huge breakthrough after years of significant and sustained growth. ESPN had huge increases in ratings with viewership in the regular season going up 170%, according to the union.

The current CBA will still cover the 2025 season so the two sides have a year to negotiate a new agreement.

“With the historic 2024 WNBA season now in the books, we look forward to working together with the players and the WNBAPA on a new CBA that is fair for all and lays the foundation for growth and success for years to come,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said.

Engelbert said at her state-of-the-league address before Game 1 of the Finals that with the new media rights deal in place and many more corporate partners the strength of the league is in a great spot. She also went on to say that the players have been getting a lot more marketing deals, making them into household names.

The union said it was hoping for a new economic model that transforms the current system, which imposes arbitrary and restrictive caps on the value and benefits of players. The players want an equity-based model that grows and evolves with the league’s increased business success.

Other areas that the union would like to see improved include: salaries, retirement benefits, better child care and family planning benefits.

“This isn’t some sudden wake-up call. It’s the culmination of what we’ve been driving for over the last several seasons,” WNBPA vice president Kelsey Plum said. “We’ve played a key role in the league’s historic growth and now we’re breaking free from the current system to demand full transparency and an equitable stake in the business we’ve helped build.”

NBA

The Atlanta Hawks and Jalen Johnson agreed to a rookie contract extension, rewarding the 6-foot-9 forward for his 2023-24 breakout season. The Hawks did not disclose details of the deal, two days before Wednesday night’s opening game of Johnson’s fourth season. ESPN reported the agreement was for $150 million and five years.

Johnson, the No. 20 overall selection in the 2021 NBA draft, emerged as a prominent scorer and rebounder last season. He set career highs with his averages of 16 points and 8.7 rebounds.

Jalen Green agreed to a three-year, $106 million contract extension with the Houston Rockets, multiple sources reported.

Green, the second overall pick in the 2021 draft, is entering the final season of his rookie contract. The new deal will begin next season and includes a player option for the third year, giving him the flexibility to opt out of the contract before the 2027-28 season to become a free agent.

The guard played in all 82 games last season and averaged 19.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists to help the Rockets make a 19-game improvement from the previous season.

Jalen Suggs signed a five-year contract extension with the Orlando Magic worth an average of about $30 million per season, multiple sources reported.

Suggs’ extension kicks in with the 2025-26 season. He is coming off a breakout year for the Southeast Division champions, averaging 12.6 points and shooting nearly 40% from 3-point range last season.

New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III agreed to a four-year, $112 million contract extension, multiple sources reported.

Murphy is entering the final season of his rookie contract. Without the extension, he’d have been slated to become a restricted free agent next offseason.

Murphy, 24, a 2021 first-round draft choice out of Virginia, averaged a career-high 14.8 points last season.

Corey Kispert and the Washington Wizards agreed to terms on a four-year contract extension worth $54 million.

Kispert, 25, will make an average of $13.5 million a year when his new contract kicks in for the 2025-26 NBA season. He’s coming off his rookie deal that was worth $16 million total after being selected with the 15th pick in the 2021 draft out of Gonzaga.

The 6-foot-7, 220-pound small forward averaged 13.4 points last season for the Wizards as a part-time starter.

Golden State Warriors guard Moses Moody signed a three-year contract extension worth $39 million.

TENNIS

Naomi Osaka will miss the remainder of the WTA tour due to a back injury.

The Hong Kong Open, set to begin on Oct. 28, announced on its social media channels that the four-time Grand Slam singles champion was not only withdrawing from the tournament but also ending her season early.