What we know: Where U.S. sports stand amid the coronavirus pandemic

With the coronavirus impacting sports around the world and developments occurring almost hourly, what we know about how leagues in the United States and North America are being affected by and are addressing the pandemic is very fluid.

From canceling college basketball tournaments to suspending the NBA season, this is an unprecedented time in the history of American athletic endeavors. Where will we be at the end of this weekend, much less the end of the month?

As we await word on other developments across the spectrum, here is a look at what we know now about the state of sports in the U.S.:

NCAA

What is being done in response to the coronavirus?

By midday Thursday, Division I conferences began cancelling their basketball tournaments. Of the major leagues, only the Big East had begun playing, but stopped at hafltime of its first game between Creighton and St. John’s and canceled the rest of the tournament.

Later in the day, the NCAA followed suit, announcing that all winter and spring NCAA championships — including the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments in each of three divisions — would not be held.

Also canceled are a variety of winter sports such as ice hockey and gymnastics that are already in progress — as well as the entire season for spring sports such as baseball, softball and lacrosse. 

NBA

What is being done in response to the coronavirus?

The league suspended its season after a player on the Utah Jazz tested positive for coronavirus. There is no indication when games will resume. Teams that have recently played the Jazz have been asked to quarantine their players and personnel. In the meantime, a second Jazz player has tested positive.

What events could be affected by the coronavirus?

Playoffs are supposed to start April 18. It is unclear if that will happen. The league said it will “use this hiatus to determine next steps for moving forward in regard to the coronavirus pandemic.”

MLB

What is being done in response to the coronavirus?

Major League Baseball announced Thursday it is halting spring training games and will delay Opening Day by at least two weeks. The regular season was scheduled to begin on March 26. The league’s action was inevitable as cities around the country have already banned large public gatherings.

What events could be affected by the coronavirus?

It is unclear what the delay does to the postseason which stretches almost into November or how the league would make up games — if they even do — with so few off days in a season.

NHL

What is being done in response to the coronavirus?

With NBA and NHL teams using many of the same home arenas for home games, it made sense for the NHL to follow suit and suspend the remaining games of the regular season indefinitely, which the league announced Thursday afternoon. Prior to that official decision, the league advised teams not to hold morning skates, meetings or practices Thursday morning. 

What events could be affected by the coronavirus?

The original league calendar called for the regular season to end on April 4 and the playoffs to begin that week. That timetable is likely untenable now, but the league said in its statement announcing the pause that “our goal is to resume play as soon as it is appropriate and prudent, so that we will be able to complete the season and award the Stanley Cup.” 

PGA

What is being done in response to the coronavirus?

PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan announced Thursday the Players Championship, which had begun, will continue but fans will not be allowed. The Tour also said fans will not be permitted at tournaments through the Valero Texas Open, which begins April 2 in San Antonio. The Tour’s announcement means there will be no spectators at next week’s Valspar Championship in Palm Harbor, Florida, or the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play in Austin the following week.

What events could be affected by the coronavirus?

Golf’s most prestigious tournament and the year’s first major, the Masters, is scheduled to begin April 9 in Augusta, Georgia. 

NFL

What is being done in response to the coronavirus?

Beyond the cancellation of the annual league meeting, the offseason calendar hasn’t undergone any significant shifts so far. The new league year and free agency are still set to begin on March 18, and NFL players must vote by Saturday at 11:59 p.m. on the proposed collective bargaining agreement. The Redskins, Jets and Vikings have pulled coaches and scouts from the road while suspending travel plans, and the Browns and Steelers are limiting commercial flights for coaches and scouts. Many other teams, however, told USA TODAY Sports they were operating as usual for the time being and adhering to CDC recommendations. The Pro Football Hall of Fame, meanwhile, postponed its Fan Fest celebration set for March 21-22 in Canton, Ohio, with a later date to be determined. Multiple NFL draft prospects have had teams cancel workouts, a person with knowledge of the situation told USA TODAY Sports. The person spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the subject.

What events could be affected by the coronavirus?

The NFL draft is scheduled to be held in Las Vegas on April 23-25. Before then though, alterations could be coming to the schedule of pro days — Michigan canceled its event that was to be held Thursday — and several regional combines, including one for historically black colleges and universities set to be held March 28 at the Miami Dolphins’ training facility in Davie, Florida. 

MLS

What is being done in response to the coronavirus?

The season has been suspended for at least 30 days. Teams have only played two games. 

What events could be affected by the coronavirus?

Whether MLS could resume with a shortened season or not play at might not won’t be determined for a while. Their playoff do not begin until October.

AUTO RACING

What is being done in response to the coronavirus?

Sunday’s Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway will be held without fans in attendance, NASCAR announced Thursday. Drivers, crews, officials and “other necessary personnel to conduct the race” are the only individuals allowed. The Dixie Vodka 400 race at Homestead-Miami Speedway set for next Saturday will also be off-limit to fans. IndyCar announced its season opener in St. Petersburg, Florida, would be held this weekend but without fans. 

​What events could be affected by the coronavirus?

Other NASCAR races expected to be impacted are the O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 at Texas Motor Speedway on March 29 and the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway on April 5. NASCAR’s season runs into November. “We will work with public health officials as we determine future scheduling beyond these events,” NASCAR said in statement. 

HIGH SCHOOLS

​What events could be affected by the coronavirus?

The New York State Public High School Athletic Association announced on Thursday that all winter championships would be postponed indefinitely. The N.Y. state basketball, ice hockey and bowling tournaments were among those affected.

Contributing: Paul Myerberg, Jori Epstein, Mike Brehm, Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, Michelle Martinelli, Steve DiMeglio, Chris Bumbaca, Steve Gardner.

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