Elena Delle Donne Says Medical Opt-out Request for 2020 WNBA Season Was Denied

Washington Mystics star Elena Delle Donne was denied a medical request to opt out of the WNBA's 2020 season.  

"The independent panel of doctors the league appointed to review high-risk cases have advised that I'm not high risk, and should be permitted to play in the bubble,"  Delle Donne said, per ESPN's John Barr and Sarah Spain.

Delle Donne, who suffers from Lyme disease, said her personal physician "advised me that I'm at high risk for contracting and having complications from COVID-19."

The WNBA will tip off play on July 25 at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. Much like the NBA and MLS, the league temporarily moved its operations to Florida amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

ESPN's Mechelle Voepel reported in June that players could opt out and receive their full 2020 salary if they were deemed to be at an increased health risk by participating in the shortened season. Otherwise, the player would have to forgo her pay.

According to High Post Hoops' Howard Megdal, Delle Donne is set to earn $215,000 this year after signing an extension with the Mystics in February.

The 30-year-old is the reigning MVP and the driving force in Washington's 2019 championship run. She averaged 19.5 points and 8.2 rebounds and was the first player in WNBA history to join the 50/40/90 club. She shot 51.5 percent from the field, 43.0 percent from beyond the arc and 97.4 percent from the charity stripe.

Erin Kane, Delle Donne's agent, told Barr and Spain the medical panel's decision is final, so Delle Donne doesn't have a mechanism to appeal. Kane added that the six-time All-Star could still potentially opt out nonetheless.

The Mystics are facing a scenario in which they could be without their best player, as well as their biggest offseason acquisition as they attempt to defend their WNBA title. Tina Charles didn't travel to Florida, either, as she awaits the panel's ruling.

Natasha Cloud and LaToya Sanders chose to sit out the season, as well. Washington was at least able to sign Essence Carson, Alaina Coates and Shey Peddy to account for the losses of Cloud and Sanders.

Barr and Spain noted Washington would be unable to bring in reinforcements for Delle Donne and Charles, assuming they're both unavailable.