Many states across the country remain under stay-at-home orders, but Florida began lifting some of its restrictions two weeks ago and has no plans to turn back. Not only is the state ready for its sports teams to resume play, but governor Ron DeSantis is encouraging teams from other cities to host games in the Sunshine State if need be.
DeSantis said Wednesday that he is confident professional sports can resume safely in Florida. He is also encouraging commissioners of leagues to explore having teams from other cities play games in Florida if their states won’t allow it.
NEW: Pro sports teams from any city are welcome to play in Florida, Gov. DeSantis says.
“We know that it can be done safely,” the governor says. pic.twitter.com/oQBZsgKV0j
— Andy Slater (@AndySlater) May 13, 2020
“Professional sports are going to be welcome in Florida. That may not be the case in every other state in this country, as we’ve seen,” DeSantis said. “So, what I would tell commissioners of leagues is if you have a team in an area where they just won’t let them operate, we’ll find a place for you here in the state of Florida. We think it’s important and we know it can be done safely.”
The NBA may take DeSantis up on that offer, as Disney World in Florida is one location that the NBA has been eyeing to finish the 2019-20 season in a “bubble,” so to speak. Major League Baseball has explored similar plans, though Arizona seems like the most likely spot for MLB games if the league goes that route.
Different states have different restrictions, which has made the situation extremely complicated for sports leagues. Depending upon how many — and to what extent — states loosen restrictions in the coming weeks, playing games in a centralized location like Florida may be the only option.
