With some sports leagues already operating again, it seemed like a given that the NBA, NHL, NFL and MLB would eventually figure out plans to return amid the coronavirus pandemic and play out their respective 2020 seasons. Following massive outbreaks of COVID-19 in several states, however, players are league executives wisely refocusing on the dangers posed by a return to action.
In the last week, a significant number of players from several different sports have tested positive for coronavirus. MLB shut down spring training facilities in response and the NFLPA advised players to stop working out together, yet every league is still targeting a return.
MLB owners and players have been locked in an ugly battle over a plan to return in 2020, but concerns over coronavirus cases have temporarily put a hold on negotiations. MLB is standing by its offer of a 60-game season at full pro-rated pay, after the MLBPA had countered with a proposal for a 70-game season. With no other proposal from owners coming, players will vote on the 60-game plan – but according to a report from USA TODAY’s Bob Nightengale, that vote has been delayed in response to a spike in positive coronavirus tests.
Some sports have been able to successfully reopen and keep athletes safe, but the challenges are wildly different for each league, and there’s an enormous amount of pressure to prioritize health and public safety as coronavirus cases spike. It seemed for a while like the NBA and MLB would come back eventually, but circumstances can change by the day. If you’re a basketball, football or baseball fan, it’s a good time to make peace with the fact that games may not take place for the rest of 2020.
