US Sports Groups Work to Start Up Again

Professional sports groups in the US are facing huge challenges as they try to restart. The US has the largest number of coronavirus  cases in the world and is facing a sharp increase in new cases.

Around the world, other countries have tried to restart their sports seasons, and many have had success. In Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan, baseball and other sports have started back up, but only a small number of fans are allowed to go to the games.

Across Europe, many soccer (football) leagues have started back up. Most of these games are played in empty stadiums, often with cutout pictures of fans in the stands.

Across Europe, many soccer (football) leagues have started back up. Most of these games are played in empty stadiums, often with cutout pictures of fans in the stands. Above, a Bundesliga match in Bremen on May 18.

But the US faces challenges that many other countries do not. Many US states tried to reopen before the coronavirus was under control. That seems to have backfired. The US is now seeing record numbers of new cases daily.

Still, that hasn’t stopped pro sports groups in the US from trying to restart. Some groups are trying to run a limited season with all of their teams and players in a single location, or “bubble”, where they can be protected.

Major League Soccer (MLS) and the National Basketball Association (NBA) have chosen to use Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. The resort is a huge place, with many fields, courts, and hotels.

The hope is that by keeping the teams isolated in the resort, they can be protected from the coronavirus. But Florida is also one of the states hit worst by the coronavirus outbreak.

The groups are taking extra steps, such as testing players and support workers often, to keep the coronavirus from spreading through the teams. Most groups are also following social distancing rules and requiring people who aren’t playing to wear a mask.

Major League Soccer

MLS was one of the first pro sports groups to restart. On July 8, the teams began taking part in the “MLS is Back Tournament“, which is scheduled to run until August 11.

MLS was one of the first pro sports groups to restart. On July 8, the teams began taking part in the “MLS is Back Tournament”, which is scheduled to run until August 11. Above, players from the New England Revolution and the Toronto FC during a match on July 21.

Major League Baseball

Major League Baseball (MLB) will start a US-only 60-game season on Thursday. The games will take place in different cities, but the schedule has been set up to limit the travel required.

There are also new rules, like no spitting and no high-fives. Because of the dangers, several players and umpires have decided not to take part this season.

MLB starts a 60-game season on Thursday. The games will take place in different cities, with a schedule planned to limit the travel required. Above, Juan Soto at bat during a practice game between the Baltimore Orioles and Washington Nationals on July 21.

National Basketball Association

The NBA has been keeping its teams in a bubble since early July. Because the NBA’s season was stopped early, an 88-game contest will be used to decide which teams go to the finals. That contest begins on July 30. The finals are scheduled to begin at the end of September.

Several NBA players have gotten the coronavirus. Others have chosen not to play.

National Football League

The NFL is still trying to work out what American football will look like this year. The league has decided that it won’t take a “bubble” approach. That puts more pressure on teams to keep their players and workers safe. The NFL is working with the NFLPA, a group that represents the players, to try to figure out how the season can be held safely.