By Jakob Salao, Sports Editor
It’s no surprise that nearly every sport has had their season cancelled due to the coronavirus (COVID-19); each sport is trying something different in an attempt to bring their seasons back (with each having a different planned return date).
NFL
On Thursday, May 5, the NFL released its planned schedule for the 2020-21 NFL season. Optimistically, the first NFL game, the annual Hall Of Fame game, is scheduled for August 6, pitting the Dallas Cowboys against the Pittsburgh Steelers. This game lines up around the same time as the previous year’s games, displaying the NFL’s confidence in a smooth start to the season. The NFL also seems to be set on starting Week One like every other year around the beginning of September. The only difference is that many believe that the season may have to go on without any
fans in the stadiums. How the NFL prepares to make
adjustments will be seen as the season comes closer.
NBA
Although many NBA activities that were scheduled for upcoming months -- including the playoffs, the combine, and the draft -- were postponed, the league (amidst the myriad of athletes wishing to return) has taken steps to reopen. As of today, 12 teams have reopened their practice facilities in cities that have loosened stay-at-home orders, and there are many more teams planning to join them soon. While the workouts are individual and voluntary, they allow players to practice their sport once again.
MLB
On Monday, May 11, MLB owners agreed to a plan for the MLB season to start up in July, obviously with special social-distancing regulations. However, this was met with some friction from the MLB Players Association (MLBPA). The Players association was wary of agreeing to the plan as the owners’ proposal includes changing the way players are paid. The MLBPA is requesting financial documents from the MLB in order to ensure fair payment.
UFC
In one of the most interesting decisions, the UFC is planning on continuing it's current season in a way unlike any other sports: purchasing a private island and hosting televised matches without fans all from the safety of the aptly named “Fight Island.” Although nothing has been made public yet, UFC president
Dana White plans on opening sometime in June.
NHL
One of the most popular ideas floating around about how to bring the NHL season back is to just start the playoffs, but this year includes 24 teams rather than the usual 16. The league would count the records as of the last played games on March 11 and use those as playoff seeding for each team. The season would then continue through tournament style rather than returning to a regular season. Although it isn’t set in stone, the NHL is set to inform players in the coming weeks of their plan to move forward.
SOCCER
Across the seas, countries are also working to bring back their beloved sport of soccer. Although their plan moving forward isn’t as extravagant as others, it may be just as effective. Premier League clubs are planning on continuing the season without fans in the stadiums, and leaving it that way until there is a vaccine to make the stadiums completely safe. As another precaution, each club is expecting to refrain from having excess transfer between teams, leaving rosters the same as last seasons.
amazing article!