THE WNBA players’ union has decided to opt out of the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA), two years before its expiry. The league and players’ union had the option to do so before November 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.