NBA star starts fund to help women players sit out season

One of the biggest stars in the NBA has stepped in to help women players who decide not to make themselves available for the WNBA this season due to concerns over coronavirus or social justice.

Kyrie Irving of the Brooklyn Nets has pledged $1.5m (£1.2m) through his KAI Empowerment Initiative Fund to provide support for those who fail to qualify for a medical exemption or choose to sit out the season in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Elena Delle Donne was one of the WNBA stars who has been refused an exemption, despite suffering from a chronic condition affecting her immune system which leaves her at a greater risk of a severe reaction to coronavirus. Players who miss the season without an exemption will not get paid. 

Irving also held discussions with Delle Donne's Washington Mystics teammate Natasha Cloud - who has opted out of the season in protest against the death of Breonna Taylor, who was killed by the police in May - before setting up his fund.

"I have connected with several WNBA players who have decided to play and those who have decided not to play," said Irving.

"In these conversations I have learned about the challenges and opportunities of their decisions and how it will impact their lives, family and overall wellbeing.

"This platform was created to provide support for all WNBA players in hope to relieve some of the financial strain imposed during these challenging times."