The NHL and NBA sports league in the United States had big setbacks due to the coronavirus pandemic outbreak. Both leagues suspended their seasons, in hopes to resume them at a later date, preferably in May or June. However both leagues were nearing their regular season conclusions with the playoffs a couple of weeks away before the leagues stopped play.

If both leagues do resume play this summer, the owners, commissioners, and teams need to decide if finishing out the season is worth it or if starting the playoffs right away would be the better choice. The off-season will already be cut by 2-3 months at best, with many teams playing their best hockey or basketball at the moment. Even if the leagues were to start up again, it would be difficult to reschedule all the games, playoffs, and most importantly the offseason plans such as the draft and trade deadlines.

Numerous teams like the Pelicans, Kings, Blazers, and Grizzlies of the NBA and the Islanders, Rangers, and Canucks of the NHL were battling for the final playoff seeds. Overall all the teams still had to figure out their seedings and matchups. Restarting the season would help preserve competitive integrity. Shortening the season or outright resuming with playoffs would be unpopular with some teams and their fans. Other issues that the leagues have to work with due to the coronavirus are ticket distribution and arena workers pay.

Leagues like the MLS and MLB on the other hand much more room to work with due to their season’s just starting up. A reduction in games played for the regular season will most certainty happen for these leagues.

NFL is the least impacted, with their season starting in September, which by then the virus will most likely have run its course or be subdued.