CBA mulling behind-closed-doors return

Virus-hit league weighing up plans to resume regular-season action in April

As the coronavirus outbreak continues to take its toll on the nation's sporting events, the Chinese Basketball Association is considering resuming its league by playing games behind closed doors.

The CBA season has been shut down since January but clubs, players and fans are now eager to get back on the court while also remaining careful not to compromise hard-won gains against the virus.

A potential solution, reported by Chinese media on Tuesday, involves plans to move the league's 20 teams to safe locations, where the remainder of the regular season (16 rounds for most clubs) could be played behind closed doors, with only essential staff and broadcasting personnel on site.

A CBA source told China Daily on Wednesday that nothing substantial has been agreed by stakeholders so far. However, some proposals have been passed to the General Administration of Sport of China, the country's central sports governing body, for assessment.

"It's tough to reach a consensus in this changing situation because clubs, the top governing body and potential host local governments all have their own concerns," said the source, who insisted on anonymity.

A Monday report on Europe-based website Sportando claimed that the Chinese league will restart on April 6, however China Daily's source denied that an exact timetable has been set.

A resumption in the first half of April would allow teams to complete the regular season and avoid rushing directly into the playoffs.

"I believe to start again in April is quite promising and we all hope to get back on track as early as possible," Zhu Fangyu, general manager of nine-time champions the Guangdong Southern Tigers, told league broadcaster migu.cn on Tuesday.

The risk of virus infection, prevention measures in potential host cities and logistical support are among the key issues being discussed between the league and local governments, revealed Zhu.

The CBA was originally scheduled to finish its 2019-20 regular season in late March before heading into the 12-team playoffs; the Finals were then due to finish in early May to offer a month-long training camp window for the national squad to prepare for its 2020 Olympic qualifying tournament in June.

That was before the virus struck, with the ensuing disruption almost certain to hurt China's already thin chances of earning one of four Tokyo tickets up for grabs at the competitive 24-nation tournament.

Observers reckon that resuming the CBA with a more condensed schedule, rather than cutting it short, will pose the same fatigue and injury risks that accompanied the resumption of action following the NBA's 2011 lockout.

Meanwhile, damage to the league's profile will be difficult to repair, with ticket revenue wiped out and many foreign players departing for other leagues.

Eight foreigners have left the CBA to continue training or playing elsewhere, while some others have left China but have yet to confirm what their future plans are.

Among the confirmed departures is Golden State Warriors' newly signed guard Chasson Randle. The 27-year-old American was released by the Tianjin Pioneers on March 1 at his request and was granted a FIBA clearance to return to the Warriors on a 10-day contract.

The Stanford alumnus had averaged 24.8 points and four assists in 24 CBA games for Tianjin. Pioneers GM Xu Jianbin admitted that the virus-enforced uncertainty left the club with no option but to reluctantly release Randle.

"Now it's pretty hard to find a replacement for him with the resumption of league play up in the air and limited choices in the market," Xu said last week.

According to a report, other foreigners considering terminating their CBA contracts, guaranteed or unguaranteed, include Lance Stephenson of 2017-18 champions the Liaoning Leopards.

The 6-foot-6 American forward, who has averaged 26.7 points and 7.4 rebounds for Liaoning, is reportedly in talks to rejoin the Indiana Pacers in time for the NBA playoffs.

Last month, however, Stephenson indicated he was intent on returning to China as soon as possible.

"I just want to let you know that I miss you guys. I know the virus really held us back and will mess up the season," the 29-year-old posted on his Weibo account on Feb 24. "Now I miss playing with my Liaoning teammates. I just hope everything is OK out there. I am praying for you guys every day."