It’s been nearly three months since the NBA, NHL and MLB all indefinitely suspended operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While fans have missed getting to enjoy all of their favorite sports for this prolonged period, one sport is missed the moss.
A recent poll conducted by Monmouth University examined how the coronavirus pandemic has left Americans feeling about the absence of professional sports. More than 56 percent of those polled called themselves sports fans, with 60 percent saying they miss being able to watch live sporting events.
Of course, some sports are missed more than others among fans in the United States. In the poll, with interviews conducted with 807 adults across the country, Monmouth University found which sports Americans are most looking forward to coming back.
According to the poll, 25 percent of Americans miss baseball the most during the COVID-19 pandemic. Behind baseball, Americans indicated they missed basketball (19 percent) and football (14 percent). Hockey (5 percent) finished a distant fourth among the most popular American sports.
The poll also found that a similar number of men and women in the United States are sports fans. Of those polled, 58 percent of men were sports fans and 54 percent of women were sports fans. According to the poll, women missed baseball (26 percent) slightly more than men (25 percent).
Despite football being months away from the NFL and college football season, the popularity of the game still proved itself.
When will the 2020 MLB season begin?
While commissioner Rob Manfred recently guaranteed there will be a 2020 season, no plan is yet in place. The league is currently negotiating a plan with the MLB Players Association for a return, but time is running out. If a deal isn’t reached, Manfred is expected to implement a shortened season.
When the 2020 MLB season starts, teams will be able to play in their own stadiums. Fans will not be allowed to attend games, and there are reportedly multiple players prepared to sit out. Once MLB announces its plan for the 2020 season, it is also expected to announce the minor league baseball season is canceled.
When will the NBA season resume?
The 2019-20 NBA season is set to resume on July 30 at Walt Disney World in Orlando. The league is bringing back 22 teams to play eight regular-season games before the NBA playoffs begin. All the latest details on the NBA’s return, including how the format will work and how players will be tested for COVID-19, can be found here.
When will the NHL return?
The NHL is moving forward with plans for a 24-team playoff format in its return to the ice. While the league hasn’t set a date for the return, it is set to enter Phase 3 of its return plan on July 10. The NHL is still discussing which city it will use to hold the 24 teams
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