The NBA has set its ideal return date for the 2020 season. They are aiming for a July 31 return to play, but the plans are not set in stone. The owners will have to vote on the specifics of the return, namely how to move forward with a potential playoff.
The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported the news via Twitter on Friday.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver and the league office informed Board of Governors that July 31 is a target date for return of season, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 29, 2020
Since the league was suspended on March 11, the NBA has been looking for a road back to on-court play. The majority opinion of the owners is to forgo the rest of the regular season, and have an altered playoff format.
Several scenarios have been put forth as a new playoff format. These include sending the top 16 teams to the playoffs and singular games to determine seeding for 22 teams, among others. There will also have to be hub cities for playoff matchups, to reduce travel.
Again, the date is not set in stone, as many other moving pieces have to be put into place. Votes must be cast, and the return to play has to be safe for players. The only thing that is almost certain is that fans would not be allowed.
Featured Image courtesy of NBA
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