Coronavirus Notes: Toronto, CBA, TV Broadcasts

Las Vegas and Orlando (Walt Disney World) have long been considered the frontrunners to host the remainder of the NBA season if the league decides to resume play in a “bubble” location, but they’re not the only cities that have been discussed.

Appearing on Tim & Sid on Sportsnet in Canada this week, Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports revealed that, during his conference call with players last Friday, commissioner Adam Silver cited Toronto as another possible “bubble” location.

“(Silver) mentioned Toronto in that conference call,” Haynes said (video link). “He said Toronto is an option. He said he would like to keep the season in the States, but he’s not ruling out Toronto.”

In order for the NBA to ensure a safe return for its teams and players, the league will have to sort through a ton of logistical issues and concerns — having that return take place in a country besides the United States would add several more layers of complications. For that reason, I’d be pretty surprised if the idea of a Toronto bubble gains any momentum. Vegas and Orlando still seem like the most obvious candidates to accommodate the league’s potential resumption.

Here’s more on the coronavirus situation and its impact on the NBA:

• In a fascinating Insider-only ESPN article, Bobby Marks identifies some of the financial challenges facing the NBA, and – based on input from team executives and agents – proposes eight CBA and salary-cap tweaks that could help the league get through the next year or two. Among those ideas: Reducing the salary floor from 90% to 80% for 2020/21, bringing back the amnesty provision for one year only, and adjusting luxury tax penalties for next season so they’re not as punitive as usual.
• Mark Medina and Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today break down some of the challenges facing the NBA as it attempts to resume its season, speaking to agents who suggest that some players are conflicted about returning to the court this summer, given both the health and financial considerations. “My vibe is the influential players want their money, and they’re going to make the call,” one agent said. “The players are trying to have it both ways. They’re criticizing ownership for putting them out there and risking their health. But they also want to play and get their money.”
• With fans unlikely to be in attendance for NBA games or other sporting events anytime soon, Andrew Marchand of The New York Post explores how ESPN, Turner Sports, and other television networks may have to adjust their broadcasts.