Silver 'optimistic' '21 season will start on time with fans

Commissioner Adam Silver is optimistic that next season will be relatively normal. Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Adam Silver 'fairly optimistic' 2021-22 NBA season will start on time with 'fairly full arenas'

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 3/6/21

The start of the 2020-21 NBA season was delayed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, but it appears the league is hoping the 2021-22 season will be relatively normal.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver said Saturday that he's "optimistic" the 2021-22 season will start on time with "fairly full arenas," according to Marc Stein of the New York Times:

But Silver says he's "fairly optimistic" that the 2021-22 NBA season will start on time with "fairly full arenas"
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) March 6, 2021

The NBA is among America's sports leagues most heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Forbes, the four major U.S. sports leagues and the NCAA have lost an estimated $14.1 billion due to the ongoing pandemic.

Fans are beginning to return to NBA arenas, but it will be a while before any stadium can return to full capacity. As the vaccine continues to roll out, things should continue to improve. For now, though, people are expected to continue wearing masks, socially distancing and abide by CDC recommendations.

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