The National Basketball Association on Wednesday night suspended its season indefinitely after a Utah Jazz player tested positive for the new coronavirus.
“The NBA is suspending game play following the conclusion of [Wednesday night’s] schedule of games until further notice,” the league said in a statement. “The NBA will use this hiatus to determine next steps for moving forward in regard to the coronavirus pandemic.”
Shortly afterward, the National Hockey League said that it is “continuing to consult with medical experts and is evaluating the options” for its ongoing season.
“We expect to have a further update” Thursday, the NHL said.
The NBA said it learned the unidentified Utah player tested positive shortly before the Oklahoma City Thunder was set to host the Jazz on Wednesday.
That game was canceled close to the scheduled tipoff in Chesapeake Energy Arena.
Fans already in attendance were told by an official on the public address system to leave “due to unforeseen circumstances.”
“You are all safe,” the official said, before asking spectators to exit “in an orderly fashion.”