With the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping the nation, its effects are having an unprecedented impact on society and sports around the world. Many professional sports are set to begin offseason activities in the coming months but with so much uncertainty looming, the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) is postponing the start of the regular season. No games have been canceled at this time.
“As developments continue to emerge around the COVID-19 pandemic, including the extension of the social distancing guidelines in the United States through April 30, the WNBA will postpone the start of its training camps and tip of the regular season originally scheduled for May 15,” Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said. “While the league continues to use this time to conduct scenario-planning regarding new start dates and innovative formats, our guiding principle will continue to be the health and safety of the players, fans and employees.”
This change also trickled down to the Washington Mystics who were set to celebrate their championship with fans in May. The team was scheduled to have a championship parade on May 12th and also hoist the championship banner at the home opener. There’s been no official word about how these activities will proceed.
“At the direction of the WNBA and in accordance with public health guidelines, the start of the 2020 Mystics season will be postponed to maintain the safety of our fans, players and staff,” said General Manager/Head Coach Mike Thibault. “We will get through this difficult time together and look forward to seeing our fans and defending our championship as soon as safely possible. In the meantime, we will continue to find other ways to stay connected as we encourage everyone to stay home and be safe.”
In the meantime, fans can get their WNBA fix by tuning into ESPN for the 2020 Draft on April 17th at 7 p.m. Top prospects will participate remotely as they take the next big step in their career.