NBA

Here are the 5 NBA teams that are allowing fans into arenas to start the season

Published by
Zach Stevens

As the novel coronavirus pandemic continues to do damage across the nation, the NBA is nearing the start of the 2020-21 season without a bubble environment.

Most teams will not allow any fans into their home arenas until further notice, but there are five that will apparently experiment with having a limited number of people in the stands.

“Currently, only five NBA teams – Utah, New Orleans, Orlando, Houston and Memphis – are continuing with plans to have at least some fans in arenas to start the season, per sources,” wrote David Aldridge of The Athletic. “(Phoenix, which was holding out as long as it could, announced Thursday it would not have fans in its building to start the season.)”

The bubble environment in Orlando, Fla. for last season’s NBA playoffs was a huge success, but the league is now in uncharted waters for this upcoming campaign.

Like everyone else, NBA teams, their players and their officials have to abide by any coronavirus restrictions instituted by the state or municipality they play in.

There are still a handful of states and jurisdictions that are allowing limited congregations of people in certain settings, even as new daily infections and deaths continue to break records.

With at least one coronavirus vaccine on the verge of being approved by the FDA, there’s perhaps the possibility, at least hypothetically, that it may be safe for more teams to allow some fans to attend games this spring and summer.

Zach Stevens

Robert is a native of Santa Monica, Calif. and a graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara. He has been an avid NBA and NFL fan since he was a little kid in the mid-'90s, and he has always loved soaking up knowledge about both leagues and their respective histories. He feels strongly that sports aren't just entertainment, but also a means for learning life lessons.

Published by
Zach Stevens

Recent Posts

Report: Will Campbell landing with Patriots may depend on whether team gets ‘fair deal’ to trade down

As a consolation prize for a woeful 2024 season that was marred by losing, the…

1 hour ago

Report: ‘Most of the league’ has been contacted about Jalen Ramsey, including Rams, Lions and Eagles

Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey is one of the more notable players in the league…

2 hours ago

Report: Rival teams project Blazers as team to monitor for potential trades this offseason

The Portland Trail Blazers are watching the 2025 NBA Playoffs from home after they finished…

13 hours ago

NFC executive praises Shedeur Sanders’ ability to make difficult throws: ‘He’s got probably the best collection of those’

Former University of Colorado Boulder star quarterback Shedeur Sanders is projected by some to be…

13 hours ago

Rams head coach Sean McVay would ‘never rule out’ possibility of reuniting with Jalen Ramsey

Folks should prepare for rumors connecting star Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey to his former…

21 hours ago

Anonymous NBA players shocked at Mavericks’ lack of return in Luka Doncic trade: ‘Messed the league up’

The Athletic polled over 150 NBA players around the league to gauge their thoughts on…

21 hours ago