With multiple sporting leagues around the world taking precautionary measures amidst the alarming coronavirus (COVID-19) threat, the NBA is also treating the issue with immediate importance.

According to Marc Stein of the New York Times, the league has scheduled a conference call on Thursday with all the general managers of the 30 teams to discuss the latest on the coronavirus crisis. Before that, all NBA owners are also slated to go on a conference call concerning the same issue on Wednesday. 

United States officials have already issued a memo to call off huge public gatherings following reports that corona-positive cases in the U.S. have reached 1,000 people.

The heightened number of cases is particularly concerning for the league, given the thousands of fans usually filling each NBA arena to watch their favorite stars live.

The league has also advised teams to prepare for the possibility of holding closed-door games in the near future, instead of postponing the remaining regular-season games.

NBA superstars like Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James and Kemba Walker of the Boston Celtics, meanwhile, have already expressed their doubts for the proposed private games. However, LeBron recently softened his stance amid the growing concern about the virus and the recent NBA policy for the infectious disease.

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)
Kings' De'Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis, Mike Brown, Keon Ellis, and Keegan Murray all looking sa

Jedd Pagaduan ·

Jalen Brunson and two other players with blank Knicks’ jerseys and question marks covering their heads.

Drew Maresca ·

Trae Young, Paul George, and Donovan Mitchell in Bulls uniforms

Jedd Pagaduan ·

Esteemed NBA head coaches Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs and Mike D’Antoni of the Houston Rockets have also shared their two cents concerning the matter.

Several ticket outlets, meanwhile, have already prepared to issue refunds to fans for games that could be canceled due to the virus.

With the regular season winding down, the NBA must come up with a way to sort out the crisis, considering the postseason is set to begin next month. Safety, of course, should always be the primary concern, especially during these trying times.