The Man in the (Empty) Arena

Professional sports leagues have begun taking precautions against the infamous Corona Virus. Per usual, the NBA is leading the way.

Just two weeks ago, the NBA issued a memo to players and fans alike. The message emphasized just how serious this virus is and how easily it can be spread. The league even advised players against shaking fans’ hands and signing autographs.

Now initially, as one might expect, fans were not pleased. Imagine being a kid in Chicago, and the one time LeBron comes in town to play the Bulls, he can’t interact with you past eye contact. I totally understand. I would be upset too.

However, this is an instance in which I think many overlook the fact that these athletes are real people with families and children as well. It would be a shame for an athlete to engage with fans, contract the virus and pass it along to family and friends.

The NBA has even considered not allowing fans at the games to watch to ensure safety for the players and coaching staffs. LeBron James, the face of the NBA for over the past decade, didn’t hold back when asked about the possibility of playing in an empty arena.

“If I show up to an arena and there ain’t no fans in there, I ain’t playing.” James said.

One can only imagine that if Adam Silver, the league’s Commissioner, heard this from the best player in his league, he would avoid this situation at all costs - literally.

Ultimately, these leagues and organizations operate for one reason and one reason only. For profit. As some would say, “if it don’t make dollars, it don’t make sense.”

This would be a move that would cost the NBA to lose out on exponential amounts of revenue and for that fact alone, I think the NBA will operate as usual amidst the Corona Virus frenzy.