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Major World Sporting Events Cancelled Due to Coronavirus
By GamblersPick Mar 15, 2020 IndustryThe globe is currently in a panic because of the Coronavirus, so find out the implications this may have on your favorite upcoming sporting events.The Coronavirus, known as COVID-19, is from an entire family of coronaviruses that are known for affecting different mammals and birds, though typically not humans. Earlier this year, news started to break out of China, about a strain of the Coronavirus that was infecting people and causing serious respiratory problems. The world deals with potential outbreaks every decade or so, from the H1N1 and SARS to the swine flu and bird flu, but this virus seems to be traveling a lot differently, spreading with greater ease.
One area that is directly affected by COVID-19, or the "corona virus," as some write it, is the sporting world. From less popular sports like archery and darts and curling to internationally popular sports like basketball and soccer, we have already seen a lot of cancellations and threats of cancellations, and these fears are likely to spread along with the disease, resulting in even more cancellations.
So, which sporting events are in danger of being cancelled due to a virus outbreak? Let's go over some of the sports that might have to shut down due to global pandemic.10 Sporting Events Cancelled or Possibly Cancelled
1: National Basketball Association (NBA)
It was announced recently that the NBA is suspending its entire season indefinitely. Of course, that's a vague term, which means the league could start back up, after it performs testing measures and the virus panic calms down a bit. On the other hand, it could mean that they will not play another game at all this season. Rudy Gobert, a player for the Utah Jazz, tested positive for the Coronavirus after falling ill. The fear here is not unfounded. COVID-19 spreads through fluid droplets, so everyone dealing with sweat and contact could be infected.
Right now, this means no NBA Playoffs or Finals. In fact, it could be a very long time before we see NBA basketball again, given how many could be infected. So for gamblers out there looking to place bets on NBA action, it might be a while.2: NCAA March Madness
Right now, March Madness is still on, and collegiate men's basketball teams will vie for their coveted Final Four position en route to an NCAA title. However, after more and more cases of the Coronavirus started popping up in the USA, league officials decided that the tournament would be held in empty stadiums, and only after all players tested negative for the virus. In USA sports, March Madness is one of the biggest annual events; and at this rate, it wouldn't shock anyone if they just outright cancelled it, rather than holding private games in empty stadiums.
3: National Hockey League (NHL) Games
As of March 12, 2020, the NHL has not shut down. However, after a few reported incidents of the Coronavirus earlier in the week, teams like the San Jose Sharks have put in very strict rules, stating that crowds of over 1,000 people cannot gather. We're speaking about stadiums that hold a minimum of 50,0000 people, so they have effectively cut their audiences down by 98%. Many suggest that this is the first step in cancelling the season outright, as the NHL's season runs alongside the NBA's, and they may take a page from their book.
4: MLB Opening Day
A lot of bets are placed in early April, when Major League Baseball (MLB) kicks off its season. Counting the playoffs and World Series, a team can play around 180 games, which makes baseball a favorite among gamblers. UK sports fans and other sports fans in Europe look forward to the launch of the season as well, if only for the book. However, the San Francisco Giants and Oakland A's have cancelled their exhibition game due to virus concerns. If they're already cancelling games weeks in advance, it doesn't bode well for the start of the season. It may be pushed back for cancelled outright. So gamblers might have to try their luck at roulette instead.
5: English Premier League
Speaking of UK sports, the Premier League could end up with the remainder of its entire season cancelled. On March 11, Arsenal and Manchester City postponed their match against each other. For cancellations due to this sort of panic, this is typically how it starts. One team doesn't want to participate, so the match is postponed. This spreads around to other teams, some players are found sick, and the entire league decides to shut down until things blow over. This could have implications past UEFA all the way past FIFA and even affect the next World Cup. Only time will truly tell. The most popular of Europe sports offerings may be off the table for fans and gamblers alike.
6: PGA Championship
One of the golf's most prestigious events, and a huge book played by millions, the PGA Championship is already confused and considering taking a step back. To be played in San Francisco in the middle of May this year, many people do not know if it will actually carry on as planned. What we see already are fears and panic setting in, with people trying to have it moved, have it postponed, etc. The odds of this tournament happening do not look very good, at least if a lid isn't put on the Coronavirus's spread.
7: 2020 Summer Olympics
For gamblers placing bets on which major sporting events are sure to be cancelled, the Summer Olympics are far and away the favorite horse here. Not only because the Olympics are to take place in Tokyo, Japan, and Asia sports options are considered too taboo right now, due to Asia being the epicenter of the virus, but also because some countries like Italy are already in a panic and cancelling whatever they can. The Italian Olympic Committee cancelled all of their sports until at least April 3, with this sort of sentiment spreading throughout Europe.
8: NFL Kickoff
For generations now, the National Football League's kickoff has been a global extravaganza and a surefire book that drew in millions upon millions. However, now with fears of the Coronavirus spreading, we're starting to see things come a bit unraveled. Already, some players are refusing to attend their off-season OTAs. We can only speculate what this will look like once actual practice and two-a-days begin, much less the pre-season, but it's not looking very good right now. The NBA really set a precedent with their cancellation. Other leagues will likely follow suit.
9: Archery World Cup
While not up there in popularity with basketball and football, we saw one of the earliest cancellations with the World Cup of Archery, which was slated to take place in Shanghai, China. Of course, this makes logical sense, given the fact that China is where the virus was first reported. Though it also goes to show that even sports whose crowds aren't as large are still willing to cancel to protect people and to quell the spread of the virus.
10: BlizzCon 2020
In the world of esports, BlizzCon is a huge convention. Not only does it feature a lot of tournaments like StarCraft, Diablo 4, Overwatch 2, and more, but it's also a legitimate convention attended by tens of thousands of people. Though unfortunately for fans, it takes place in Anaheim, CA, which is packed and already panicking about the Coronavirus. Although it's still months away, BlizzCon may be entirely cancelled if things continue to progress with the virus outbreak.
Whether or not one thinks the panic is justified, you have to understand that a global pandemic is something professional leagues will take seriously. Nobody wants another plague. It affects fans and gamblers, of course, but it could save lives. So just be ready, as these 10 sports will likely be followed by hundreds more entire leagues and events that decide to cancel.
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