WNBA to Commence Its 2020 Season This July
Featuring 22 regular-season games, followed by a traditional playoff format.
The WNBA has just announced that it will be moving forward with its 2020 season starting this July. According to the league’s official statement, it is currently finalizing a partnership with the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida in order to make it the “Official Home of the 2020 WNBA season highlighted by a competitive schedule of 22 regular-season games followed by a traditional playoff format.”
With COVID-19 still declared as a pandemic, the WNBA is working with medical specialists, public health experts and government officials on a “comprehensive set of guidelines” to ensure the safety and wellbeing of its players and staff once the season starts. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert stated:
“We are finalizing a season start plan to build on the tremendous momentum generated in the league during the offseason and have used the guiding principles of health and safety of players and essential staff to establish necessary and extensive protocols. We will continue to consult with medical experts and public health officials as well as players, team owners and other stakeholders as we move forward with our execution plan. And, despite the disruption caused by the global pandemic to our 2020 season, the WNBA and its Board of Governors believe strongly in supporting and valuing the elite women athletes who play in the WNBA and therefore, players will receive their full pay and benefits during the 2020 season.”
As this year marks the first time where all teams will be training and staying at the same place, the WNBA will build on its commitment to social justice and will support players with its upcoming social justice platform. “The WNBA opposes racism in all its forms, and George Floyd and Breonna Taylor are the latest names in a list of countless others who have been subject to police brutality that stems from the systemic oppression of Black Lives in America, and it is our collective responsibility to use our platforms to enact change,” said Engelbert.
Due to the health crisis, fans will not be physically allowed to attend the games – however, the league will be offering front-row seats at home thanks to broadcast partners ESPN, CBS Sports Network and NBA TV. Find out more about the new season by reading the full statement here.
