NBA memo tells teams to prepare for games without fans amid coronavirus outbreak

The NBA has sent a memo to all teams detailing various potential contingency plans in dealing with the coronavirus.

One of the plans could be playing in empty arenas, without fans and only with essential personnel.

A person familiar with the situation confirmed the memo has been sent to all teams, but stressed that nothing has yet been implemented by the NBA.

Contents of the memo were first reported by the Athletic. The memo, obtained by The Associated Press, told teams to prepare in case it becomes necessary to play games without fans or media, as sports leagues in Europe have already done. The memo detailed potential actions that teams might need to take “if it were to become necessary to play a game with only essential staff present.”

The letter also says teams should plan for scenarios in which media could attend games under revised media policies.

According to AP, teams should also be prepared “for the possibility of implementing temperature checks on players, team staff, referees, and anyone else who is essential to conducting such a game in the team’s arena.”

Earlier, in the week, AP reported that the NBA sent a memo to each team offering recommendations to players in hopes of decreasing the spread of the virus.

Among the suggestions were avoid high-fiving fans and avoid taking any item such as pens and makers, balls and jerseys from autograph seekers.