Nine-tenths of NBA players are vaccinated against the coronavirus, the executive director of its players union said last month. The other 10% will have to get a shot if they want to play in New York — if they’re on the Knicks or Nets.
The Athletic reported on Wednesday that players on the home teams will need to be vaccinated, but not the road teams.
In August, New York City began requiring proof of at least one vaccine dose for indoor dining, fitness and entertainment, including sports arenas.
San Francisco has a similar mandate, which would cover the Warriors.
The Nets and Liberty, who also play at Barclays, had implemented their own vaccine mandate in line with the city’s around the same time as mayor Bill de Blasio’s announcement. They had previously permitted unvaccinated fans in the stands in the playoffs, while the Knicks said they would only permit vaccinated fans in the stands if they advanced to the second round.
About 65% of New York City residents — 77% of adults — have received at least one dose of a vaccine, according to city data.
