Coronavirus updates: U.S. sports including NBA, MLB, pause
The rapid spread of the coronavirus is affecting sports around the globe by causing postponements and cancellations of sporting events. Now, the list of players in the NBA who have tested positive continues to grow. The Celtics and Lakers have both confirmed players on their rosters have tested positive for COVID-19. Boston guard Marcus Smart confirmed his diagnosis on social media.
According to CBS News, there have been at least 247,000 confirmed coronavirus cases worldwide, and more than 10,000 people have died due to the virus, as of Friday afternoon. Moreover, multiple states are under a state of emergency. Politicians from the local to federal level along with public health officials are recommending large gatherings of people — including sporting events — in coronavirus hotspots be cancelled or closed to the public.
College basketball
The NCAA canceled the 2020 Division I men’s and women’s basketball tournaments, along with all other winter season championship events.
NBA
The NBA suspended the regular season indefinitely on March 11. League owners want commissioner Adam SIlver to reevaluate the situation after 30 days.
Summer Olympics
Organizers of the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, the biggest global sporting event of the year, are concerned that the outbreak will affect the status of the games. A decision to cancel or postpone the games could be made as late as May. The International Olympic Committee wild hold crisis talks with federations and athletes this week.
NHL
The NHL announced on March 12 that it is pausing the 2019-20 season, effective immediately. Commissioner Gary Bettman hopes games will resume “as soon as it is appropriate and prudent.”
MLB
Major League Baseball will not start the 2020 season until at least mid-May, commissioner Rob Manfred announced Monday, March 16. The league initially suspended operations, including spring training, on Thursday, March 12. The league is not shutting down spring training sites entirely, but many players have left camps in Arizona and Florida. Opening Day was originally scheduled for March 26.
Horse Racing
The 146th running of the Kentucky Derby will be postponed until September.
Golf
The PGA Tour canceled the Players Championship after the first round on March 13. The 2020 Masters has also been postponed.
Soccer
MLS announced it is suspending play for 30 days.
Champions League, Premier League, Europa League all suspended games.
XFL
The XFL has suspended play as of March 12, effective immediately.
