With the entire country (and world) still embroiled in the battle against coronavirus, it presents challenges for any sport looking to reopen its doors and get back on the fields of play.
While NASCAR, golf and Bundesliga were the first few sports to return, issues are still abound for the WNBA in hopes of securing that there will be a 2020 season.
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert expressed optimism that there can be a 2020 season, according to Doug Feinberg of the Associated Press. She said that while there have been conversations …
None are without challenge.
–WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert (Associated Press).
The season was supposed to start a few days ago – more specifically May 15.
An advantage that the WNBA has is that it is a smaller league than some of the others looking to restart their season. If the WNBA were to sequester itself into one city, it would not be as daunting as would be the case with the NBA or NHL.
Of course, such an initiative would present issues – including questions about testing and how to handle situations as they relate to overseas players in addition to financial hurdles. According to the report, most of the scenarios Engelbert is considering would involve playing at fanless arenas and to work with television partners to enhance the at-home experience for fans watching on television or League Pass.
Fox had a “drone cam” at the ready for its NASCAR broadcast from Darlington Raceway in South Carolina.
One plan that has received plenty of attention came from an entity that already owns a WNBA team. MGM Resorts, the parent company of the Las Vegas Aces reportedly pitched a plan that would see several sports – including the W – stage its seasons (or remainder of) in Sin City.
Engelbert did hint that if the WNBA were to return that it may be at a different site than the NBA would if it were to return.
I think it might behoove us to have our own sites certainly.
–WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert (Associated Press)
Many of the leagues are looking at the same cities.
–WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert (Associated Press)
Chicago Sky owner Michael Alter and Washington Mystics owner Ted Leonsis have both exuded optimism that 2020 will see a WNBA season.
