The NBA told its teams to prepare for the coronavirus, including the possibility of playing in empty arenas. That was explained as due diligence, not an inevitability.
But as the outbreak continues, the possibility is only becoming closer to reality.
Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN:
Reporting with @ZachLowe_NBA: The NBA has set a conference call with team owners/governors for Wednesday afternoon to discuss the escalating coronavirus crisis and next steps for teams, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 9, 2020
Concerns are escalating among owners and executives that more drastic steps could be coming for the league, including games played with only essential personnel in arenas; the precise scenario that the NBA has required teams be prepared to execute. https://t.co/xnpVXX8KHj
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 9, 2020
I don’t know what the NBA will do. I don’t know what the NBA should do.
But, remember, the NBA exists as a money-making operation. There’s no point of playing games that don’t turn revenue.
Playing without fans in the arena could limit exposure. Playing without personnel to televise the game to fans at home? That’d be far more drastic.
There’s still a lot to learn about whom the NBA deems “essential personnel.”