Despite all the signals that it will be nearly impossible to rescue the rest of the NBA season,
a league spokesperson told CNBC the league is still working on plans to resume. “It is the responsibility of the league office to explore all options for a return to play this season,” the spokesperson told CNBC in a statement. “We owe that to our fans, teams, players, partners and all who love the game. While our top priority remains everyone’s health and well-being, we continue to evaluate all options to finish this season. At the same time, we are intensely focused on addressing the potential impact of Covid-19 on the 2020-21 season
“What [owners] are saying is, ’If we return, where is the revenue that is going to justify the additional cost of returning?” one team executive said. “They are looking at the cost side versus the revenue side. What revenue comes in now?”
Also, NBA clubs have many limited partners who are taking losses.
“These owners aren’t just sitting there with an ATM that’s printing more than ever before,” said
Andy Dolich, the Memphis Grizzlies former president of business operations. “Some of them are looking at vast losses outside of just their basketball team.”
The NBA says it is still exploring ways to safely resume play for the season.
www.cnbc.com
