The Seattle Storm and Chicago Sky both figure to be in the mix for the WNBA’s playoff picture next month.getty images
The NBA and the WNBA so far have been successful in playing in their “bubble” environments as both leagues stay on track to complete their seasons by the fall.
The NBA is in its postseason, albeit four months late due to the shutdown, and so far there are no impediments as the league looks to crown a 2019-20 champion once the season ends by mid-October.
Their return to play has been smooth and not one NBA player has tested positive for the coronavirus since 22 teams began playing in the Disney bubble in late July.
Now the NBA is turning its focus on next season with an emphasis on getting fans safely back into arenas.
The league already has said it won’t begin next season until December, but that start date could be pushed to 2021 in order to safely allow fans back into facilities and to preserve the gate that makes up about 40% of overall league revenue.
While team and league executives know that the virus will decide when and if fans return next season, they also are studying new revenue streams should next season start in empty arenas. Ideas such as more on-court and virtual advertising will be addressed.
“Conversations are starting to center on what are other revenue opportunities we can open up for next year,” said Orlando Magic CEO Alex Martins, who is a member of the league’s restart committee. “Everything is on the table.”
The WNBA is halfway through its season in the “wubble” at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., with the effort so far proving successful with no players testing positive for the virus.
But, like the NBA, the league’s success can be derailed by an outbreak that so far has been prevented by the players following strict health and safety protocols.
The WNBA will finish its regular season in September with playoffs and finals to follow. Then it will turn its focus to the 2021 season that it hopes will be back to its regular May-October schedule and played in front of fans.
