The WNBA announced Friday morning that the beginning of its 2020 regular season had been postponed due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Training camps were scheduled to begin April 26, and the season would have tipped off May 15.
No games have been canceled yet, meaning the league could try to create a condensed schedule once it’s deemed safe to play again. In a statement, commissioner Cathy Engelbert said the WNBA is engaging in scenario-planning and considering “innovative formats” for when the season is able to resume.
The WNBA Draft will still be held April 17, but last week the league announced it would be in a virtual-only format, broadcast on ESPN, with no in-person elements.
The Washington Mystics’ season opener would have been at home against the Los Angeles Sparks on May 16, when they would have raised their first-ever WNBA title banner to honor last season’s championship.
“At the direction of the WNBA and in accordance with public health guidelines, the start of the 2020 Mystics season will be postponed to maintain the safety of our fans, players and staff,” Mystics coach and general manager Mike Thibault said in a statement. “We will get through this difficult time together and look forward to seeing our fans and defending our championship as soon as safely possible. In the meantime, we will continue to find other ways to stay connected as we encourage everyone to stay home and be safe.”
The Mystics said all tickets already purchased for a game that ends up postponed will still be honored. They will offer other options to ticket-holders if any games end up being canceled.
It’s unclear whether the Mystics will have to postpone or cancel their WNBA championship parade in the District, scheduled for May 12.
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