WNBA postpones start of training camps and regular season due to COVID-19

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In an expected move, the WNBA is postponing the start of its training camp and regular season in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Leaguewide training camps had originally been scheduled to begin on April 26, with the regular season tipping off on May 15. The league offered no concrete timetable for return.

"While the league continues to use this time to conduct scenario-planning regarding new start dates and innovative formats, our guiding principle will continue to be the health and safety of the players, fans and employees," WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in a statement.

Engelbert also cited country-wide social distancing recommendations through April 30 as cause for the league to postpone play. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker recently extended a state-wide stay-at-home order through that April 30 date, at least.

The good news for WNBA fans is that the league's draft is still on for April 17, and is set to be broadcast on ESPN. In keeping with social distancing protocols, the WNBA announced the draft will be held entirely virtually without players, guests or media. Top prospects will take part remotely with Engelbert announcing the picks live.

The WNBA will also carve out time during the draft broadcast to honor Alyssa Altobelli, Gianna Bryant, Payton Chester and Kobe Bryant, all of whom perished in a tragic helicopter accident on Jan. 26. 

The Chicago Sky hold the eighth pick in the 2020 WNBA draft, and are coming off a 20-14 2019 season that ended in a gut-wrenching defeat to the Las Vegas Aces in the second round of the playoffs.

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