NBA 2019-20 season set to restart on July 30

Mansi Khandelwal, INN/New Delhi, @infodeaofficial

The National Basketball Association (NBA) and National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) have declared in a joint statement, finalizing that they will be restarting season 2019-20 from July 30 on Saturday.

The program will include all stringent health and safety protocols keeping in mind the COVID pandemic. The program will take place at a single site campus at Disney World Florida taking up the goal of action to combat systemic racism and promote social justice.

Also, NBA and Disney have made an agreement that makes Fieldhouse and Visa athletic center ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex the venues for all games, and this will resume with 22 teams with no audience in the hall.

Disney with the NBA had also made an agreement for the safety of the players, coaches, staff, and officials during the whole session from the coronavirus. They have made some safety protocols that will ensure the safety of each and every person involved in the session.

The NBA and NBPA have also agreed in principle that the goal of season restart will be to find tangible and sustainable ways to address racial inequality across the country.

Leaders from the NBA and NBPA have also discussed strategies to increase Black representation across the league and its teams.

Adam Silver, NBA commissioner said ” We have worked together with the Players Association to establish a restart plan that prioritizes health and safety, preserves competitive fairness, and provides a platform to address social justice issues. We are grateful to our long-time collaborator Disney for its role in playing host and making this return to play possible, and we also thank the public health officials and infectious disease specialists who helped guide the creation of comprehensive medical protocols and protections.”

Michael Roberts, the NBPA executive director made a statement showing his excitement for the session ” It is very exciting to officially announce the restart of the 2019-2020 season.

It has taken true collaboration between the League and the Union – special kudos to our Executive Committee and several other team reps – along with the continued support and assistance from medical experts, public health officials, and many others.

Additionally, our platform in Orlando presents a unique opportunity to extend the ongoing fight against systemic racism and police brutality in this country.

We will continue to work with our players and the League to develop specific plans in Orlando as well as long-term initiatives to bring about real change on these issues.

We are glad to be able to provide a unique venue where the NBA can resume its season at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products.

 “We look forward to welcoming the players, coaches, and staff to Walt Disney World Resort as they prepare for the exciting return of professional basketball “