Wednesday night the NBA suspended their season after Utah Jazz all-star Rudy Gobert tested positive for the coronavirus before tip off of their game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The NBA announced that the suspension would start Thursday except for the final slate of Wednesday night games in the NBA. The final game between the New Orleans Pelicans and Sacramento Kings was cancelled soon after the NBA announced the suspension. Earlier Wednesday, the Golden State Warriors announced that they would be playing the remainder of their home games without fans. This comes just after San Francisco banned gatherings of more than 1,000 people Wednesday morning.  

The NBA decision to suspend play has already cost them millions of dollars. Weeks without any kind of ticket sales will affect future salary caps, which are based on revenue streams and jersey sales. To make matters worse the league’s playoffs were due to start next month. The playoffs are typically a time where the NBA brings in more money due to a rise in television views and more attention to the league. Gobert wasn’t the only player infected with the coronavirus. Donovan Mitchell, Jazz all-star and Gobert’s teammate also tested positive. Christian Wood, Detroit Pistons forward also tested positive. Both Wood and Mitchell said they exhibited no symptoms and felt fine before being tested. 

NBA commissioner Adam Silver initially said that the suspension would last at least 30 days, but it is looking like we may not see action until mid June. Although the news is devastating to fans the league feels it is the best case scenario. However, if games return it is likely that they will be played with no fans. Silver discussed the possibility of playing the finals in August. Some fans think the NBA should move into a tournament similar to the one held by the NCAA annually. Others think jumping straight into the playoffs would be the best move. After the NBA shut down many others followed. The list includes the NHL, MLB, XFL and other major events including both the men’s and women’s NCAA basketball tournament and The Masters. The NCAA also suspended other winter sports tournaments and spring sports for now.