#Nets’ Kyrie Irving fund will support WNBA players who opt out of season

Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving is making sure WNBA players who opted out will have some income despite not receiving their salary.

Irving on Monday launched the $1.5 million KAI Empowerment Initiative, which will be supplementing the income of players choosing to opt out either because of coronavirus concerns or social justice issues in a league where the top annual salary is just over $200,000.

“Whether a person decided to fight for social justice, play basketball, focus on physical or mental health, or simply connect with their families, this initiative can hopefully support their priorities and decisions,” Irving said in a statement.

With the help of WNBA players such as Natasha Cloud, who opted out this season to fight for social justice, and Jewell Loyd, Irving connected with several other players and discussed several challenges that they may have faced when deciding to play.

Although he is recovering from shoulder surgery, Irving, who signed a four-year, $142 million deal with Brooklyn last offseason, is actively advocating for social justice. Prior to founding his program, he produced a recent TV special which called for action in the police-involved death of Breonna Taylor.

The WNBA officially started its season Saturday in a Bradenton, Fla. bubble. All active players wore Taylor’s name on their jerseys, and voiced dedication of this season to social reform.

To be eligible for Irving’s initiative, players must provide insight into the circumstances surrounding their decision and not be receiving salary support from any other entity. An opt-out for medical reasons must be connected to the coronavirus pandemic.

Players who may be eligible must apply by Aug. 11 to be notified by Aug. 24, and it is currently unclear how many players will qualify for Irving’s Initiative.