The NBA is looking toward having fans in the stands and reduced travel next season rather than holding games in “bubble” or campus facilities, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
The amount of fans to be allowed in arenas is yet to be determined but the league would prefer in-market competition, Charania continues.
In recent weeks, the projected start date for next season has been pushed back.
Originally projected for the beginning of December, commissioner Adam Silver expressed skepticism for that target date last month. Silver told the league’s Board of Governors during a conference call on Thursday that the season won’t start earlier than Christmas, while NBPA executive director Michele Roberts suggested that opening night may not happen until the new year.
The league will announce next season’s structure with eight weeks‘ notice of the start date, Charania adds.
The NBA also had a call with the league’s 30 GMs on Friday.
The league still hopes to play a full 82-game regular season schedule but the dates for games and other events remain in flux.