The NBA is determined to return to action and play games again this season despite the coronavirus pandemic. There is, however, a real chance that those games could temporarily look much different once they do restart.
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the NBA is looking into alternate arrangements for games in the event that teams cannot play safely in their home cities or arenas due to localized outbreaks. That could lead to the league playing games in a centralized location, possibly in a non-NBA city.
One idea that has been suggested is to play at a casino property in Las Vegas, which will have ample space for teams. The Bahamas have been mentioned, and there has even been talk of taking over a college campus.
.@WindhorstESPN says the NBA may have to follow what the Chinese Basketball Association is trying to do.
"… to cluster their teams into two different cities… and put their teams in that bubble, and have them live, eat, breathe, train — everything basketball in that bubble." pic.twitter.com/PdpRalGRtI
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 29, 2020
The NBA will pay close attention to what the Chinese Basketball Association does, as that league is facing similar issues as it tries to restart and is considering similar actions. If the NBA does do this, it could be a model for MLB, which may be forced into doing something similar as well. Whatever the case, even when the NBA returns, it sounds like it may not be normal for a while.
