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Executives around the NBA world are determined to have a 2019-20 postseason to crown an eventual NBA champion despite the recent coronavirus outbreak that put a halt to the regular season last week.
ESPN's Zach Lowe explained during his podcast, The Lowe Post, that even despite his skepticism, the collective NBA brass remains committed to finishing out this season, one way or another:
Article Continues Below“I personally remain skeptical that we are going to have a 2020 NBA champion,” said Lowe in his podcast. “I know from talking to executives all over the league at all levels that the NBA has determined to do absolutely whatever it can to have a postseason. That the revenue is just too big, even without fans, even with best of three series, even with games in August or so whatever it is that they will do whatever they can and stretch it out to however they can to have a 2020 NBA champion.”
Lowe hits this right in the head. While the coronavirus pandemic could force the NBA to play way beyond July, there's just way too much revenue to leave on the table.
Commissioner Adam Silver put out several potential scenarios, including resuming play without fans in the stands. NBA teams net a substantial amount in ticket prices, but even if they'd have to cut those losses and net only what the broadcast rights would give them, it still would be better than canceling the season.
At this point, for owners and executives, some loss is better than a complete loss.
The NBA might have to reduce the rest of the regular season into a play-in tournament and make a series of three games each to ensure an end to 2019-20, but it's sure to have a bevy of complications considering how COVID-19 is affecting nations worldwide.
