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As the NBA continues to search for ways to save the 2019-20 season, team executives and player agents are calling for the campaign to be canceled, reports CNBC's Jabari Young.
Executives are reportedly frustrated about the lack of information from the league, while agents apparently believe the NBA should turn its attention toward other issues, such as player and coach contracts, rather than continuing an uphill battle to resume play.
"I'm surprised because (Silver) always errs on the side of caution and doing what's right," an agent told Young.
Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James later chimed in on social media and shot down the reported speculation.
Saw some reports about execs and agents wanting to cancel season??? That’s absolutely not true. Nobody I know saying anything like that. As soon as it’s safe we would like to finish our season. I’m ready and our team is ready. Nobody should be canceling anything. 👑
— LeBron James (@KingJames) April 30, 2020
However, team owners are said to be concerned about potential liability issues and see little benefit in resuming the 2019-20 season.
"What (owners) are saying is, 'If we return, where is the revenue that is going to justify the additional cost of returning?" a team executive told Young. "They are looking at the cost side versus the revenue side. What revenue comes in now?"
The Walt Disney World Resort property in Orlando is reportedly the most recent potential quarantine site being discussed by the NBA. The privately owned area features the necessary basketball facilities and housing that would be required in a theoretical bubble.
The NBA announced Monday that practice facilities in cities that have eased COVID-19 restrictions can open no earlier than May 8 and will have guidelines regarding the number of participants.
