Last Updated on June 2, 2020
After the initial outbreak of the CoronaVirus, it appeared that hard-hit states like New York, California and Texas would not have sports resume for the foreseeable future.
However, that soon may be shifting back in a positive direction.
The Governors for all three states: New York, California, and Texas have all spoken publicly encouraging professional sports organizations to return to business without fans in the stands.
New York Gov. Cuomo says he has been encouraging pro sports teams in the state to "plan reopenings without fans." Follow live updates: https://t.co/CxEI9Ri3IV pic.twitter.com/smRiXCr6hD
— CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) May 18, 2020
Here are the three key quotes from each of the governors:
“I think this is in the best interest of all the people and the best interest of the state of New York,” – Andrew Cuomo, Governor of New York State
“Sporting events, pro sports, in that first week or so of June without spectators and modifications and very prescriptive conditions also can begin to move forward,” – Gavin Newsom, Governor of California./
“Professional basketball, baseball, car racing, football, golf, softball, and tennis leagues may apply to the Department of State Health Services for approval to hold professional sporting events in Texas. These events may take place on or after May 31, 2020. The professional sporting events may not have spectators physically present on the premises.” – Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas.
Keep it coming….. pic.twitter.com/qdpFtfpcVF
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 18, 2020
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo invited the return of sports today:
"If they can make the numbers work, I say great. Come back. The state will work with you… Why wait until you can fill a stadium before you start to bring a team back? If you can televise it in the meantime, great." pic.twitter.com/ARA0bqQXZb
— Mike Vorkunov (@MikeVorkunov) May 18, 2020
Both NASCAR as well as the PGA, UFC and Bundesliga have already returned to live action since nearly all sporting events were shut down in March, leading to massive television ratings and betting numbers across many online sportsbooks, including FoxBet.
Sunday's NASCAR race from Darlington on Fox drew over six million viewership, the highest total for a non-Daytona race in more than three yearshttps://t.co/fgPtmaC8J7
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 18, 2020
,
.@BetMGM says it had its best week since the start of the pandemic "by a significant margin."
UFC drew the most betting interest, followed by Bundesliga soccer and golf match between McIlroy-Johnson and Folwer-Wolff.
Table tennis attracted more betting handle than NASCAR.
— David Payne Purdum (@DavidPurdum) May 18, 2020