NBA Commissioner Gives New Update on Suspension, Says Season Could Still Continue

Adam Silver, the commissioner of the NBA, is speaking out in a letter to fans, nearly 24 hours after the league suspended all games for 30 days.

Silver says that the NBA will definitely take the 30 days to evaluate the situation amid the coronavirus epidemic and after that they will decide if it’s possible to return to the game.

“Of course the issue becomes now, what we determined today, is that this hiatus will be most likely at least 30 days,” he said during an interview on TNT on Thursday night (March 12). “And we don’t know enough to be more specific than that. But we wanted to give direction to our players and teams and fans that this is going to be roughly at least a month.”

“But then the question becomes is there a protocol frankly with or without fans in which we can resume play,” he added (via ESPN). “I think the goal [is] … what makes sense here without compromising anyone’s safety. It’s frankly too early to tell.”

Click inside to read the letter that Adam Silver wrote to fans…

You can read his letter to fans below:

Adam Silver’s Letter to NBA Fans

March 12, 2020

Dear NBA Fans,

As you know, we have temporarily suspended our season in response to the coronavirus pandemic. We made this decision to safeguard the health and well-being of fans, players, everyone connected to our game and the general public. This hiatus will last at least 30 days and we intend to resume the season, if and when it becomes safe for all concerned.

In the meantime, we will continue to coordinate with infectious disease and public health experts along with government officials to determine safe protocols for resuming our games. As we develop the appropriate course for future NBA games and events, we will keep you informed of any changes as soon as they happen. Tickets already purchased for a postponed game will be honored when the game is rescheduled. If games are not played or played in an empty arena, teams will work with fans on a credit for a future game or a refund.

We encourage you to visit NBA.com for the latest news, updates and interactive features to stay connected to the game. You will also find guidelines on how to keep yourself and your family safe and healthy.

This remains a complicated and rapidly evolving situation that reminds us that we are all pan of a broader society with a responsibility to look out for one another. That is what the NBA will continue to do, and we are grateful for your understanding and for being the best fans in sports.

Sincerely,

Adam Silver NBA Commissioner