It appears that reality has set in for the NBA that the next season will also be severely impacted by the pandemic and that the best thing to do is preserve the league calendar in hopes of coming back stronger in the 21-22 season. That could mean starting even a few days before Christmas Day.
The Athletic’s Shams Charania was the first to report the NBA’s consideration of a December 22 start date and a shortened schedule, taking the typical 82-game season down to 70-72. Most local television contracts need to hit the 70-game mark to be fulfilled and upholding television contracts, both local and national, seems to be the only thing within the league’s control right now.
The NBA is targeting Dec. 22 for the start of the 2020-21 season and a 72-game campaign that finishes before the ‘21 Olympics, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 23, 2020
It does look like the NBA will be planning on doing travel differently since the pandemic is ongoing and positive COVID-19 cases in most states are still rising.
Sources: NBA and Board Governors continued discussion on call today about playing something resembling more of a baseball series to limit travel outside of bubble. For example, a team might travel to New York and play its two road games against Knicks and one vs. Nets. https://t.co/ObuqSkNXCB
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 23, 2020
Woj also reported that the All-Star Game and All-Star Weekend, scheduled for Indianapolis in 2021, is a potential sacrifice for the NBA, particularly while there is still no vaccine readily available.
Another potential casualty of the 2020-2021 season and the coronavirus, sources tell ESPN: The All-Star Game. The event is scheduled for Indianapolis. No final decision has been made.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 23, 2020
The NBA and the NBPA currently have a deadline set of October 30 for making an agreement on modifications to the current collective bargaining agreement to address the challenges created by the virus.
