NBL eyes closed-circuit setup for 2021 season

MANILA, Philippines—The National Basketball League is looking at a closed-circuit setup for its 2021 season for both of its men’s and women’s tournaments amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Coordinating with the Games and Amusements Board, the NBL plans to conduct the games for its first professional season without spectators while implementing strict health and safety protocols for the teams.

Under the setup, the league will monitor its teams with only travel from their homes to the playing venue and back the only movement allowed.

The NBL already was able to finish the 2020 season amid the pandemic with the championship series between Pampanga Delta and La Union PAOwer played inside a bubble environment at Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando, Pampanga in October.

The Delta captured the title over the PAOwer in four games in the best-of-five series.

The WNBL, meanwhile, will also start its first professional season with its Draft Combine held last November for the applicants under strict health protocols.