NBA Reportedly Sends Memo Preparing Teams for Possibility of Playing Games in Empty Stadiums Due to Coronavirus
By Mark Powell
The NBA community is preparing for the worst as the coronavirus outbreak hits the United States and Canada.
While franchises have already implemented strict guidelines impacting the fan experience at NBA games, commissioner Adam Silver has sent out a memo preparing them to take things a step further.
Sources: The NBA has sent a memo to its franchises explaining that, due to coronavirus outbreak, teams should be preparing to play games without fans in attendance and identifying “essential staff” present for these games -- should it be necessary.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 7, 2020
Assuming the virus continues to spread, this is the natural progression of things. Soccer games in Europe -- in particular Italy -- have been played in front of empty stadiums for weeks. With the pandemic impacting the daily life of fans and players, there's no reason to take a risk should its spread continue without a vaccine.
The leak of such news won't help the widespread coronavirus panic across the sports world, but it's important to remember the NBA is merely proceeding with caution. Franchises need to be ready for the worst-case scenario, and such a memo allows them to do so, and provides step-by-step instructions on how to proceed, and what comes next.
NBA has been sending several informational memos to teams in order to prepare for whatever develops from coronavirus situation. A reminder of existing rules regarding postponement or cancellations of games was provided Friday night. https://t.co/17ac6wSiDt
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 7, 2020
A league based first and foremost on profit, the NBA surely hopes it never has to implement such procedures. But, as always, it's smart to be prepared.