The NBA suspended the 2019-20 NBA Season on March 11 due to the Corona Virus pandemic. Recently, the NBA’s Board of Governors approved a tentative return to play of the NBA season on July 31, using a modified competitive format with 22 teams and all games played near Orlando.
Because of the lack of fans and ambiance due to social distancing restrictions, crowd sounds from NBA 2K20 may be used by the PA during live games to compensate for it.
2-3 preseason games. 1,600 maximum capacity in Orlando. No plan for anti-drug blood testing. Potential crowd noise via NBA 2K sounds.
Details at @TheAthleticNBA on the NBPA’s call with its Board and Player Reps: https://t.co/OiSdQosgvU
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 5, 2020
Here’s what Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement about the return to play:
“The Board’s approval of the restart format is a necessary step toward resuming the NBA season. While the COVID-19 pandemic presents formidable challenges, we are hopeful of finishing the season in a safe and responsible manner based on strict protocols now being finalized with public health officials and medical experts. We also recognize that as we prepare to resume play, our society is reeling from recent tragedies of racial violence and injustice, and we will continue to work closely with our teams and players to use our collective resources and influence to address these issues in very real and concrete ways.”