(Miami) Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving on Monday pledged US $ 1.5 million to WNBA players who refuse to play this season.

The Net leader will distribute the money through a newly created fund, the KAI Empowerment Initiative.

"This platform was created to support the players of WNBA in the hope of reducing the economic burden imposed by this difficult period", explains the basketball player in a press release.

Several players have already refused to play the shortened WNBA season, which began on July 25, for fear of the coronavirus or to devote to other commitments, amid a wave of anti-racism in the United States.

“I contacted several WNBA players who decided to play and those who decided not to play. In those conversations, I learned about the challenges and motivations behind their decisions, and the effects they will have on their lives, families and well-being, ”writes Kyrie Irving.

He spoke with Natasha Cloud, a Washington Mystics player who chose to focus on her activist commitment this season, and Jewell Loyd, who decided to play.

“Whether they have decided to fight for social justice, to play basketball, to prioritize their physical or mental health, or just to spend time with their families, I hope this initiative can support their priorities and decisions. Writes Kyrie Irving.