States across the country are backsliding into lockdowns. This would seem like the perfect time for major sports to begin making their returns. But it’s best that people don’t get their hopes up just yet.
Some sports have made their return, though they’re still working through some hiccups of their own. NASCAR has been the most successful, traveling to different tracks across the country with only a handful of crew members testing positive for the virus. Both boxing and the UFC have made their returns, but even with their much smaller events, they’ve had positive tests spoil some events. And Major League Soccer is set to begin a special coronavirus-year tournament next week, but one of its 26 teams has just suffered a sudden outbreak that could leave it without six starters.
The NBA won’t start until the end of the month, but already, several players have ruled themselves out. The Brooklyn Nets alone saw two starters decide not to make the trip to Orlando, and a third, Spencer Dinwiddie, tested positive for the coronavirus. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said that if cases spread enough inside the “bubble,” the season would stop.
Despite the rough period of negotiations, baseball looks to be in a better spot for its return than basketball. Fewer MLB players have opted out of the season as of now, and while the season doesn’t start until later in the month, players begin reporting today. But there’s cause for concern here too. Unlike the NBA’s bubble system, MLB teams will be traveling to each other’s stadiums. Minor league baseball has already canceled its season.
Many factors could make it difficult for either league to make its return. If players keep deciding the shortened season won’t be worth it, either league could just pack it up and call it a year. The NBA runs the risk of seeing the virus spread in its bubble location, while the MLB could be hampered by its own positive tests during the season or by state governments locking down wholesale due to an increase in positive tests.
Further unrest and economic turmoil would be brought back and amplified by a second round of lockdowns. The distraction of sports could really serve to numb the pain. If that doesn’t come to pass, an already tough next few months will be even tougher. With football season looming in the fall, the successful return of one or both of these major sports will be a welcome reprieve.
