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NBA to require most staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19

Ethan Miller / Getty Images Sport / Getty

All team personnel who work within 15 feet of players or referees during games must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 ahead of the 2021-22 season, according to an NBA memo obtained by ESPN's Brian Windhorst and Tim Bontemps.

Coaches, front-office members, and trainers are among those subject to the mandate, which has an Oct. 1 deadline.

People who work near the court, including broadcasters and photographers, as well as all back-of-house operations staff, are also required to be fully vaccinated.

Vaccination currently isn't mandatory for players.

Some NBA teams require fans to provide proof of vaccination in order to attend games, including the Brooklyn Nets and Golden State Warriors.

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