This archive report was first published on 5 June 2020.
Published on June 5, 2020, the National Basketball Association (NBA) has confirmed plans to return to play this summer, marking a significant milestone in the recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.
The league's Board of Governors approved a plan for 22 teams to play eight regular-season games in Orlando, paving the way for a swift transition into post-season play.
The return of the NBA is expected to generate millions of dollars in advertising and subscriber fees for media companies Walt Disney and AT&T, which have long-term rights deals to broadcast NBA games on ESPN, ABC, and TNT.
According to Standard Media Index, an estimated $200 million in national TV advertising revenue was lost due to the absence of professional basketball games.
The NBA has tentatively scheduled July 31 as the date to resume play, with the NBA Draft Lottery rescheduled for August 25 and the 2020 NBA Draft set to take place on October 15.
The league has also scheduled the 2020-21 season to commence on December 1, with a packed schedule expected in the coming weeks.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver stated, 'The Board's approval of the restart format is a necessary step toward resuming the NBA season.' He added, 'While the COVID-19 pandemic presents formidable challenges, we are hopeful of finishing the season in a safe and responsible manner based on strict protocols now being finalized with public health officials and medical experts.'
The NBA has not played a game since March 11, when concerns about athletes contracting the coronavirus and spreading it among teams forced the league to suspend its season.
