Donald Trump Addresses NFL Season Starting Date

COVID-19 may postpone the start of the upcoming NFL season. NFL teams are unable to meet free agents, and the 2020 NFL Draft will be organized under special conditions. NFL officials will do their best to prevent the spread of the virus. US President Donald Trump shared his take on the start of the NFL season.

The President had a conference call with the commissioners of the major leagues on Saturday. He believes the NFL season should start right on time in September. The President also hopes to have fans back in stadiums by August and September as noted by ESPN.

The NFL recently closed its training facilities due to the virus. Officials have adjusted the draft and fans won’t be able to attend it. Professional sports leagues in the country are on hold due to the pandemic.

The President also brought up the idea of leagues joining forces to lobby for tax credits. This move would provide the chance “to deduct concessions and tickets from taxes.” Such move would definitely bring fans back to the stadium sooner than expected. The impact of coronavirus on leagues’ businesses was also a topic.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, MLB’s Rob Manfred, the NBA’s Adam Silver, Gary Bettman of the NHL joined the call. Auto racing’s Roger Penske, Jay Monahan of the PGA tour, WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert, MLS commissioner Don Garber and Dana White of the UFC were there, too. WWE exec Vince McMahom talked about the topic with other execs.

The White House press office said President Trump had recognized the good work done by teams and players to take care of communities, workforces and fans across the country.

The President has had a series of in-person and virtual meetings in the past few weeks. He had meetings with top heads from the hotel industry and the banking sector. How will his administration respond to the coronavirus pandemic? Major sports events and thousands of firms were shut down until further notice.