The WNBA will tip off its 25th season on Friday after an offseason that was full of player movement, including Candace Parker returning home to Chicago.

James applauded Montgomery's ownership role by posting on Twitter: “So proud of this Queen. “The Dream isn’t going anywhere.”The WNBA announced on Jan. 20 the ownership change was close to being completed. “I want to take this time to thank the WNBA players, particularly the Dream players,” Engelbert said Friday. They served as role models with their advocacy and continue to do that.”Gottesdiener said the Dream players captured his attention and respect. “Today does mark a new beginning for the Atlanta Dream organization," Engelbert said.

Montgomery and Tiffany Hayes appreciated what former UConn teammate Maya Moore was doing when the All-Star forward stepped away from basketball two years ago to focus on criminal justice reform. UConn coach Geno Auriemma has been impressed by what many of his former players are accomplishing off the court. They were following who they are.Montgomery and Hayes smiled at the thought that a dozen years ago the UConn players had any aspirations of being social activists. Both Hayes and Montgomery loved seeing Auriemma and his wife and family at a protest in his community last month. I knew my mind wasnt there, my heart wasnt there, Montgomery said.

WASHINGTON Washington Mystics players Natasha Cloud and LaToya Sanders are opting out of participating in the 2020 WNBA season for the leagues reigning champions. Theres a lot of factors that led to this decision, but the biggest being that I am more than an athlete. Cloud and Sanders each has been with Washington for five seasons. Her commitment to social justice issues is of utmost importance to her and, therefore, to the Mystics organization, Thibault said of Cloud. We will continue to be partners with her and all of our players on their commitment to social justice reform as we go forward into this season and beyond.Players have until Thursday to opt out of the season.