Coronavirus Update: English Premier League Suspends Season Indefinitely; MLL, WNBA To Delay Start of Play

In light of the coronavirus pandemic, pro sports leagues continue to postpone or cancel seasons and events. SVG is posting a regularly updated list of announcements from pro leagues regarding postponed, canceled, or altered events. Below are further announcements this week. Click Here for previous coronavirus update installments and stay tuned to sportsvideo.org for more information on how the spread of the coronavirus is impacting the sports-production industry.

English Premier League Indefinitely Suspends 2019-20 Season
The highest form of soccer in England will not be coming back any time soon. On Friday morning, the English Premier League (EPL) announced that they will indefinitely suspend the 2019-20 campaign with no end date in sight. The decision was made via a meeting over a video conference.

Despite the suspension, the EPL is ardent on finishing all remaining cup and league matches before beginning a new season. “There is a combined objective for all remaining domestic league and cup matches to be played,” the league said, “enabling us to maintain the integrity of each competition.”

In addition, players have been asked to take at least a 30% wage cut in order to compensate individuals without employment during this time. A meeting to decide the final number will take place on Saturday, April 4.

Major League Lacrosse, WNBA Pushes Back Opening Day
Back in the states, there are more postponements. Major League Lacrosse, who was ready to start the season on May 30, will officially not start their 2020 season on that date.

“We have been vigilant in coordinating with the Center for Disease Control (CDC), as well as federal, state, and local officials to determine the protocols that will allow us to begin our season in the safest manner possible,” said the league in a statement. “As to ensure the well-being of all MLL communities, we will be guided by their recommendations.”

During this stoppage of player, a fund has been established to compensate players that rely on their salaries. This fund will also help players with monetary issues if the season is ultimately canceled.

Also, the WNBA will not start their season on the originally scheduled date of May 15.

“While the league continues to use this time to conduct scenario-planning regarding new start dates and innovative formats, our guiding principle will continue to be the health and safety of the players, fans, and employees,” says the WNBA in a statement.

Training camps that were supposed to be held in the coming weeks will also not happen.