Here is all the information so far regarding COVID-19 and sports in the U.S.
NFL
-In a conference call with Major Sports league commissioners earlier today, President Donald Trump said he believes the NFL season will be able to start on time in September according to Adam Schefter’s sources. His sources are also reporting Trump said he hopes to have fans back in stadiums and arenas by August and September. At this time, Trump did not give an exact date as to when he believes fans will be able to return to sports venues.
-Earlier today, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that the NFL intends on conducting this year’s draft virtually from April 23rd to April 25th. This news comes after Commissioner Roger Goodell released a memo saying that the NFL Draft will go on as previously scheduled. Goodell has told teams to prepare to conduct the draft outside team facilities and with a limited number of people.
NBA
-According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Commissioner Adam Silver was also involved with the conference call with President Trump that was held earlier today. Woj’s sources are saying that Commissioner Silver did discuss possibly returning to play once the league was given the “all clear” from public health officials.
-There has been recent concerns that the NBA will not be able to finish the 2019-2020 season. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst appeared on Sportscenter this week and said, “…it’s clear that the NBA is angling to set up a deal that enables them to shut the season down… and I think there is a significant amount of pessimism right now.” These reports came after Windhorst announced on Tuesday the Chinese Government placed restrictions on the resumption team sports.
-Sources are telling ESPN that the network and the NBA are currently planning a televised H-O-R-S-E tournament that will involve several high-profile players. Discussions about the tournament have been ongoing between ESPN, the NBA, and the NBAPA. Details of the tournament, including scheduling and player involvement, are still being finalized at this time.
NHL
-Lou Lamoriello, the Islanders’ President of Hockey Operations and General Manager, said he is not worried about the completion of the New York Islanders’ new stadium being delayed. The Isles broke ground on the Belmont Park site on Sept. 23, 2019, but construction has been paused since March 28th, 2020. The Islanders are currently expected to play all of their 2020-2021 home games at Nassau Coliseum.
MLB
There is no new information about Major League Baseball in regards to the ongoing Coronavirus Pandemic.
