NBA commissioner Adam Silver, in a conference call with players Friday night, said he is willing to wait until June before deciding on a firm plan to resume the season while raising the likelihood of two fan-less sites for the playoffs.
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According to a source on the call, Silver was “forthcoming and genuine in expressing the difficultly to plan in light of the uncertainty.’’
However, the source added Silver “informed the league’s desire to resume the season, but only if absolutely safe for all.’’
According to ESPN, Silver said he’s still hopeful the playoffs can feature traditional best-of-seven series at two fan-less sites — possibly Las Vegas for the West and Orlando’s Disney World for the East.The report said Silver also mentioned the possibility of next season starting without fans. Fan revenue accounts for 40 percent of the NBA pie. Silver’s indication was the league will suffer heavy losses even if the show goes on.
Silver has not ruled out having a short regular-season finish or having a play-in format for additional playoff teams. He also said if a player tests positive for COVID-19, it wouldn’t necessarily mean another shutdown.
“The commissioner indicated the spirit of cooperation and communication between the players and league has been key and hopes it will continue,’’ the source said.
