The WNBA players union has 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 the Liberty beat the Lynx to win its first league title.

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%.

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

Baseball: MLB hopes to find the Rays a nearby temporary home for the start of next season if their home field can’t be repaired in time. Tropicana Field’s fabric dome recently was shredded by Hurricane Milton’s winds. A number of spring training sites around the area have been suggested.

NBA: The 76ers announced that All-Stars Joel Embiid and Paul George will miss Wednesday’s season opener against the Bucks. Embiid, who didn’t play in the preseason for what the team called left knee injury management, will also miss games on Friday and Sunday. George will be reevaluated later this week after he suffered a hyperextended left knee that left him with a bone bruise Oct. 14.

NFL: Chiefs CB Jaylen Watson will undergo surgery for a broken leg, but could return if the two-time defending Super Bowl champs make the playoffs.