NBA Hopeful for a June Return

Per ESPN / WOJ:

There is a working plan that games would return mid-to-late June without fans, and teams have been told to search out arena dates well into August for the playoffs. Teams have been directed to give the league office potential dates at smaller nearby game venues, including team practice facilities, that could spare the use of empty, cavernous arenas and possibly provide backdrops to unique television viewing lines.

Organizations must evaluate the short- and long-term implications of this season’s stoppage, including future sponsorships and ticket renewals. Many owners are feeling the sting of not only the loss of NBA games, but the loss of concert dates and other events in darkened arenas.

Through it all, NBA commissioner Adam Silver is encouraging his league to be open to experimental ideas in every area — scheduling format, venues, television — on how to respond to an unprecedented crisis.

NBA allowing players to return home.

New ESPN story: The NBA is allowing players to leave their team’s markets, and has extended the ban on organized team practices indefinitely. https://t.co/N0Fd78w3Fq

— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) March 16, 2020

Players can still practice although “organized” team practices are suspended. The NBA is urging facilities to use “temperature checks” as both staff and players enter the facility as an extra safety precaution.

The G-League looks to be cancelled:

NBA teams operating G League franchises expect the rest of the minor-league season will be cancelled because of the coronavirus outbreak, sources tell ESPN.
Story with @wojespn https://t.co/v4gA0I5X1B

— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) March 16, 2020

It’s been crazy the last 4-5 days in the Sports world. Stay safe and indoors everyone. This will pass eventually.