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TROPHY FINALS ON DESPITE OUTBREAK

By on March 13, 2020

The BBL have confirmed this weekend’s games, including the Trophy finals, will proceed as planned.

That is despite a decision from the NBA, EuroLeague and FIBA to suspend their competitions with immediate effect to the COVID-19 outbreak, with UEFA also set to hold off the Champions League.

As yet, there is no UK government advice to postpone sport although the Scottish Government have advised all gatherings of 500 people or more should be cancelled from next Monday to take pressure off emergency services.

It is understood BBL officials have considered the options available should anything other than a short-term hiatus be necessary.

“We’re following the current guidance of the Government and the national public health agencies,” the league said in a statement. “At this stage, all League games and the Trophy Finals are taking place as planned.”

Financially, sources told MVP, the idea of completing a significant chunk of the campaign with closed door games would not be viable. However there could arise a scenario where playoff dates are re-arranged to accommodate pushing back the end of the season to allow its completion.

Basketball England and Scotland instigated a hiatus on activity from Saturday morning due to the virus while Saturday’s WBBL games between Caledonia and Sheffield and Cardiff and Manchester have been called off.

The NBA suspended its season late on Wednesday after Utah Jazz and France star Rudy Gobert player tested positive for the coronavirus.

“The NBA is suspending game play following the conclusion of [Wednesday’s] schedule of games until further notice,” the league said in a statement. “The NBA will use this hiatus to determine next steps for moving forward in regard to the coronavirus pandemic.”

The suspension will last at least two weeks but is expected to be longer. The NCAA has also cancelled its March Madness Tournament after initially attempting to play it behind closed doors.

 

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