Reporters Facing Strict Guidelines For Covering NBA's Orlando Return

The coronavirus pandemic has altered "how reporters cover sports," including for NBA writers when the season resumes later this month in Orlando, according to Barry Jackson of the MIAMI HERALD. The NBA's handling of access for print and broadcast reporters includes a rule that "no more than 10 reporters nationally may speak with players or coaches in person during the resumption of the season, and the select group must pay a hefty price for the privilege." Those reporters will "receive 'Group 1' access at a cost of $550 a day, which covers a hotel room on the Lake Buena Vista campus, daily COVID-19 testing, three meals a day and transportation between the hotel and practice venue." But Group 1 reporters are "required to self-quarantine at home at least seven days prior to the arrival in Lake Buena Vista, then quarantine in their NBA campus hotel for another seven days beginning on or around July 13 without the ability to leave their room, remain on the NBA campus for as long as they're there and sign legal forms." No outlet "can have more than one Group 1 reporter." Access for Group 2 reporters is "extremely limited and no more than 12 reporters will be permitted in an area at any one time." The Group 2 coverage "includes the ability to attend games in elevated media seating, but no in-person access to players or coaches" (MIAMI HERALD, 7/3).