The NBA 30 day suspension could now last long amid the Coronavirus pandemic. The basketball league is keeping all its options open for now, including playing only regular-season games and shortening early playoff series’ from best-of-seven to best-of-five, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The NBA considered these options after calling in with its board of governors and team owners.
Interestingly, Vivek Murthy, ex-US surgeon general, also attended the call. He is the medical professional who alerted the team owners about the potential impact of Coronavirus in the USA. Murthy’s words were consistent with those of other credible health officials, warning those on the call that the worst is yet to come. Amidst this, he also reassured that season/playoffs could be restart before July if all things go as planned.
Sources: The ex-US surgeon general Vivek Murthy delivered NBA Board of Governors call a message consistent with other credible health organizations on grim potential impact of coronavirus pandemic in U.S., but left owners with hope of re-starting season/playoffs before July.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 17, 2020
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NBA now considering contingency plans
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Despite reassurances, sporting organizations do not believe that events will begin soon. The NBA is planning to raise its credit line up to $1.2 billion from $650 million to help with internal expenses during Coronavirus pandemic. With this decision, the lost revenues of the NBA in this shutdown could be in check. As confirmed by Adrian, this decision would also allow the league to increase cash flow through.
The NBA discussed the plan on a call with the Board of Governors on Tuesday, sources said. For the NBA, this would allow the league to increase cash flow through what’s expected to be an extended shutdown of the season. https://t.co/1Q47bze0RD
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 18, 2020
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The NBA has been on its toes since Utah Jazz’s Rudy Gobert got a positive test for Coronavirus. Not to mention, but the COVID-19 has since then taken the league by storm. Rudy’s teammate Devon Mitchell, 76ers’ Christian Wood, and Brooklyn Nets four players including star Kevin Durant also got a positive test for Coronavirus. Rudy Gobert’s positive test was just the tip of the iceberg for the NBA, which led to the league suspension.
Teams now hope that the league will soon give its potential dates of the season-opening (again). But even then, it is a ‘wait and see’ situation in this crisis.
