NBA Reportedly Expected to Continue 2019-2020 Season Playing in Front of Empty Arenas Due to Coronavirus
By Michael Luciano
The growing spread of coronavirus has the sports world in a complete frenzy due to the unusual situation that's transpired. The league was expected to decide on either playing the remainder of 2019-20 without fans in the stands to prevent the spread of the disease or postponing the season.
The Board of Governors is expected to decide that the season will go on without fans in the arenas. Adam Silver is expected to make a statement that further backs up that position on Thursday.
New story filed to ESPN:
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 11, 2020
The NBA’s Board of Governors shared a consensus on Wednesday to continue the season playing games without fans in arenas amid the coronavirus crisis, and Commissioner Adam Silver is expected to move in that direction with a decision on Thursday.
Several soccer leagues around the world have closed their doors for recent matches or they've suspended play altogether, while the NCAA announced no fans will be allowed to attend the 2020 NCAA Tournament.
Several NBA teams, including the Golden State Warriors, announced they will play their next few home games closed to the public, though Golden State's decision was brought on by an ordinance from the mayor.
It begins. Amid coronavirus concerns, the Nets vs. Warriors game on Thursday will be the first NBA game CLOSED to fans. (per Marc Stein)
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) March 11, 2020
More: https://t.co/tX5Nv99UrY pic.twitter.com/l9C8r9GyNL
An already strange NBA season has taken another turn. While both sides of the coronavirus argument have strong points for and against them, playing games without the fans is seen by many as preferable to cancelling or postponing large chunks of the season.