New York Liberty guard Rebecca Allen opts out of playing this season

New York Liberty guard Rebecca Allen is opting out of playing during the 2020 WNBA season. She joins six other WNBA players who will skip the season and not play at IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL, a location set up to protect players from COVID-19.

“This has absolutely been one of the toughest decisions, but after much thought and discussions, I have decided to opt out of the 2020 season in Florida,” said Allen. “The uncertainty of the COVID-19 crisis and the logistical health risks related to travel have led me to conclude that it’s best if I not play in the WNBA this year. I would like to thank the Liberty for their support and understanding. I’ll certainly miss all my teammates, staff and fans this year. I’ll be cheering loud from Australia and I look forward to getting back on the court in 2021.”

From the Fever:

Allen, a 6-2 Australian sharpshooter, made her WNBA debut with the Liberty in 2015. In her five seasons in seafoam, Allen has averaged 4.6 points and 2.0 rebounds. Despite suffering a hand injury in 2019, she had a career season, averaging 7.2 points in 17.2 minutes.

“Rebecca is a consummate professional and a key factor to the team’s new style of play,” said Liberty General Manager Jonathan Kolb. “We understand that these decisions are never easy and, while she will certainly be missed this season, we fully support her decision to do what is best for her and her family.”

The WNBA recently announced elements of plans to return to the court and begin the 2020 season in July with a 22 regular-season game schedule followed by a traditional playoff format at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. As an original franchise, this will be the New York Liberty’s 24th WNBA season.