Dallas Mavericks owner and businessman Mark Cuban called for the NBA to resume shortly in order to provide viewers with a distraction from the current coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The outbreak has affected millions and also infected thousands along with many who may not know they're carrying the virus.

Cuban has covered the salary of arena staff along with raising funds for communities affected by the coronavirus, The Mavs owner appeared via phone on “The Herd with Colin Cowherd” on FS1. He appeared to support returning to basketball so those homebound can watch the great game.

“Sports [are] so important to us right now. We need something to cheer for. We need something to get excited about … we want something to root for.

“And if the NBA can lead the charge, I know that's important to us, and hopefully we can.”

Article Continues Below
More Dallas Mavericks News
Tyrese Haliburton, Kyrie Irving, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Exclusive: The surprise superstar AAU ballers picked as NBA’s Face of the LeagueChris Dodson ·
Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd and New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the New York Knicks at the American Airlines Center.
NBA rumors: Why Tim MacMahon ‘won’t dismiss’ Jason Kidd leaving Mavericks for KnicksJason Patt ·
Charlotte Hornets guard Dennis Smith Jr. (8) looks to pass as he is defended by Dallas Mavericks guard Josh Green (8) during the first half at the Spectrum Center.
Dallas Mavericks’ 10 worst NBA Draft day mistakes in historySpencer See ·
Mavericks Jason Kidd on left. New York Knicks 2025 logo on right. Question marks all over image.
How Mavericks, Knicks could discuss Jason Kidd trade after Tom Thibodeau firingJoey Mistretta ·
image thumbnail
NBA rumors: Lakers’ Austin Reaves trade strategy as 2 center targets emergeErik Slater ·
NBA commissioner is Adam Silver presents Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (not pictured) with the Michael Jordan Trophy for winning the most valuable player award for the 2024-25 season before game two of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center.
Adam Silver sets record straight on Mavericks landing No. 1 pickBenedetto Vitale ·

Besides calling for the NBA to continue without fans in the stands, Cuban also likened the emptiness of cities during self-quarantining to 1971 Universal Pictures science-fiction film “The Andromeda Strain.” The film is based on the Michael Crichton best-selling novel. The story depicts U.S. scientists investigating a strange and alien disease that wiped out an entire New Mexico town.

Cuban imagined a way for the NBA to operate by rigorously disinfecting players, coaches, and officials so games could resume.

At this point it looks unlikely for the NBA to resume in another month due to the highly contagious spread of coronavirus. The virus first made an appearance when Utah Jazz All-Star teammates Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell tested positive. They, along with another diagnosed-positive athlete, Detroit Pistons power forward Christian Wood, were cleared of the virus this week.