Dolphins owner says there will 'definitely' be football this year, possibly with fans

Will there be football this fall? According to Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, the NFL season will definitely be happening. The only question is if the games will be played in front of fans, though Ross is hopeful that will be the case.

"I think there definitely will be a football season this year," Ross said during an interview with CNBC. "Real question is, will there be fans in the stadium? Right now — today — we're planning to have fans in the stadium."

While the NBA and MLB are currently trying to figure out plans to resume their canceled seasons, the NFL has remained committed to starting its season without delay. The league released a full schedule, with the season starting the same time as usual and teams in several states have been given the okay to start reopening training facilities.

The big problem the NFL seems to be facing is how to include fans in the experience. While many have said there is no chance the NFL is able to be played with fans in attendance, others have been more optimistic, including Dolphins CEO/president Tom Garfinkel.

Earlier this month, Garfinkel revealed a plan that would potentially allow for teams to play in front of a limited number of fans while following the guidelines of social distancing. If the plan is approved by the NFL and the government, it would allow 15,000 fans to attend games with a litany of safety caveats, including fans wearing masks, staggered entrances and exits to ensure fans aren't too close together, and food being ordered from seats.

"We all miss our sports," Ross said. "The NFL, I think, will be ready to go. I know we're all looking forward to it. I know I am."