Here is the latest information we have to date regarding sports and COVID-19
NFL
Teams Can Re-Open Facilities Starting Today
Today is the first day of this off-season that clubs are allowed to open team facilities so that they can be used by players and staffers. At this time though, coaches and non-rehabbing players are not allowed in the buildings. It is currently unclear which NFL facilities have officially opened so far.
Last week, clubs received a memo from the Commissioner saying teams were allowed to open and start using facilities on May 19th, today. Teams are only allowed to open their facilities if they meet pre-established health protocols and receive clearance from state and local officials. If teams do not meet these standards, their facilities will remain closed until everything is brought up to code.
MLB
New York, Texas, And Other States Moving Closer To Return Of Pro Sports
Governors across the nation are becoming more comfortable with the idea of professional sports returning to their states. Yesterday, political leaders from California, New York, Texas, and Pennsylvania discussed the return of sports to their states as soon as next month, possibly.
California’s Governor said the potential return of sports to the state is related to the recent progress made against the Coronavirus Pandemic. California has seen a 7.5% decrease in hospitalizations over the last two weeks. Governor Newsom said that if this decline continues, then professional sports can return to California “…in the ‘first week or so of June without spectators and modifications and very prescriptive conditions.'”
Now that Texas, Cali, NY, and Pennsylvania have discussed the idea of opening up for professional sports, that makes it six states that are ready for sports to come back. Earlier this month, both Florida and Arizona announced they were ready to open up for professional sports leagues.
NBA
Reports: League Still Expected To Use Lottery Process
Despite all the changes that have been made in the sports world over the last few months, at least one thing is staying the same. According to ESPN’s sources, the NBA still plans on using the lottery format they used last year to determine the picks in this year’s Draft.
The NBA postponed the Draft Lottery and the Combine back on May 1st. Both events were scheduled to take place in Chicago. There is not a date set for the NBA Draft Lottery, but the 2020 NBA Draft is currently scheduled for June 25th.
NHL
League Considering Eight To Nine Locations For Season Restart
The NHL has narrowed its list of places to restart the season to less than ten cities. Yesterday, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said the league is considering “probably eight or nine different places” that can accommodate “a dozen or so teams in one location.” Bettman made the announcement during an interview at a sports business conference.
The league is saying that it has some issues to overcome if the season is to be restarted. The league would have to deal with border problems, especially since 17% of NHL players are from outside North America. The league is also saying it needs plenty of space to house teams and plenty of testing kits need to be available for the remainder of the season.
Continue checking oddsusa.com for more updates on the Coronavirus Pandemic.
