Pro Sports Coming Back To Massachusetts

BOSTON, MA – After more than two months of limbo for athletes, Gov. Charlie Baker hinted at the return of professional sports for the first time Friday. Baker said that teams will be allowed to start practicing June 6, the same day he will announce the start date for Phase 2 of reopening.

Sports facilities will remain closed to the public. Meanwhile, leagues are working on plans to resume games, including hosting playoffs in "hub" cities and playing at Disney World.

"At some point, it's gotta be live, and I think for all of us live sports, and especially pro sports, would be a great thing to see again," Baker said.

The NBA suspended its season March 11 and the NHL followed suit the next day amid rising fears about the spread of the coronavirus. Major League Baseball delayed the start of its season, and the way contract negotiations are going means it could be a long time before players take the field.

The earliest Phase 2 can start is June 8.

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