One NBA exec who spoke to Ben Golliver of The Washington Post believes there’s “a good chance” NBA games are played in empty arenas due to the coronavirus.
All NBA, MLB, MLS and NHL team locker rooms and clubhouses will be open to only players and essential employees until further notice because of the coronavirus:
“With no disrespect to LeBron, this is a public health crisis that’s bigger than any one person,” said a high-ranking team executive, pointing to large-scale quarantine efforts overseas and a rising death toll domestically. “Personally, I think there’s a good chance we will be forced to play games in empty arenas at some point. The virus is spreading quickly, it’s not contained, and it will not be contained any time soon. The threat [to NBA players and fans] could carry on into next season.”
The NBA has already sent multiple memos to teams to prepare contingency plans in case they need to play games without fans in attendance due to the ongoing coronavirus. Teams have also been asked to identify “essential staff” to be present for such games if the need arises.
Soccer and basketball games in Europe have been played without fans in recent days.
Among the NBA’s short-term recommendations to teams in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, players should utilize fist-bumps over high-fives with fans and avoid taking items such as pens, balls and jerseys to autograph.
Furthermore, there are larger concerns being addressed in NBA front offices and the league office. The possibility that pre-draft combines, on-site workouts and international scouting events could become more limited in scope are a possibility.
Heck, there’s also the possibility that workouts and events could be cancelled when the summer rolls around and the NBA Draft and Summer League start based on the possible escalation of the coronavirus. This is a very serious subject matter.
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