WNBA players opt out of CBA as TV audience and attendances surge

• League has grown in popularity over last year
• Players could choose to strike if no agreement reached

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 1 November.

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