As part of an official statement that was released on Thursday morning, the WNBA announced that it will honor Kobe and Gianna Bryant, as well as Alyssa Altobelli and Payton Chester, during a virtual 2020 WNBA Draft on April 17.
The 2020 WNBA Draft will look a bit different. In light of ongoing concerns surrounding the coronavirus pandemic that has gripped the sporting world, the league will hold its draft virtually instead of live, according to an official report.
The WNBA Draft 2020 presented by State Farm will be held on April 17 as scheduled. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the WNBA will conduct a virtual draft without players, guests, and media. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert will announce the draft picks live on ESPN2 with coverage beginning at 8 p.m. ET, and top prospects will take part remotely. The draft will also be available on the ESPN App.
Oregon's Sabrina Ionescu is expected to be the No. 1 pick in the draft. Ionescu was close with Kobe and spoke at his public memorial at Staples Center.
Kobe, Gianna, Alyssa and Payton were killed in a helicopter crash outside Los Angeles in January. The group was on its way to the Mamba Sports Academy, where Kobe was to serve as a coach for the girls basketball team. Kobe will also be honored throughout the season:
During the draft, the WNBA will honor Alyssa Altobelli, Gianna Bryant and Payton Chester – who tragically passed away in a helicopter accident on Jan. 26. The WNBA also plans to honor the late Kobe Bryant, a passionate advocate of the league, at the draft and during the upcoming season.
At this point, it's not clear if the coronavirus pandemic will impact the start of the coming season or its training camp. According to their report, the WNBA is working on various scenarios with regards to changes of key dates.
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