Professional sports, minus spectators, might resume in early June in California, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Monday.
This is welcome news for National Football League teams, of which there are three in the Golden State. The NFL hopes to start its fall season on time. California is also home to four NBA teams, three MLB teams, and three NHL teams.
Newsom had previously expressed skepticism that pro sports would resume anytime soon. His remarks Monday came with a few caveats. He emphasized that sports could reopen “if we hold these trendlines,” referring to the decrease in hospitalizations and ICU patients due to the coronavirus.
In addition to playing in stadiums and arenas without spectators, player safety will be a concern, and a spike in coronavirus cases could push the date back.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo also said Monday pro teams in his state could resume play soon. As in California, spectators would not be permitted. Games would only be televised.
