Timeline of Coronavirus' Impact on Sports

Joseph Zucker @@JosephZuckerFeatured Columnist

Jeenah Moon/Getty Images

As the spread of the coronavirus accelerated across the United States, a number of sports leagues altered their schedules in response to the pandemic.

According to the World Health Organization, more than 754,900 worldwide cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed and 36,571 people have died as of the evening of March 31.

The sports landscape has consequently altered significantly, from playing games behind closed doors to canceling events and putting leagues on temporary suspension. Here's an updated look at the steps taken because of the coronavirus (all times ET).

Tuesday, March 31

9:31 a.m.: The Chinese government issued an order continuing restrictions on team sports because of COVID-19, which will delay the resumption of the Chinese Basketball Association season.

Monday, March 30

10:33 p.m.: Bellator postponed three events in May: Bellator 242 (May 9), Bellator European Series London (May 16) and Bellator 243 (May 29).
12:35 p.m.: The Pac-12 extended its suspension of all team-related activities through May 31.
8:17 a.m.: Barcelona star Lionel Messi said the team's players will take 70 percent wage cuts and make other contributions to help the club's workers during Spain's state of emergency. Barcelona announced March 26 that all staff, including first-team players on its soccer and basketball clubs, would see salary reductions for the duration of the delayed seasons caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
8:05 a.m.: The International Olympic Committee, International Paralympic Committee, Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee and Tokyo Metropolitan Government announced the Olympic Games will take place from July 23 to Aug. 8, 2021. The Paralympic Games will take place from Aug. 24 to Sept. 5, 2021.

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Sunday, March 29

9:21 p.m.: Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart announced he has been cleared of COVID-19 by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
8:42 p.m.: The International Boxing Hall of Fame's 31st annual induction weekend has been postponed from June 14, 2020, to the weekend of June 10-13, 2021, ESPN's Dan Rafael relayed.

Saturday, March 28

9:06 p.m.: New York Knicks and Madison Square Garden owner James Dolan tested positive for COVID-19, the team announced. Dolan is experiencing "little to no symptoms" and is self-isolating while continuing to oversee business operations.
4:49 p.m.: Former Denver Broncos and LSU Tigers wide receiver Orlando McDaniel died Friday from complications of the coronavirus.
1:17 p.m.: The Colorado Avalanche announced a second player tested positive for COVID-19.

Friday, March 27

5:37 p.m.: Los Angeles Sparks guard Sydney Wiese announced she has tested positive for COVID-19.
2:42 p.m.: ESPN broadcaster Doris Burke told Adrian Wojnarowski she tested positive for COVID-19.
1:55 p.m.: The Utah Department of Health cleared all Utah Jazz players of COVID-19, including Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell after their positive tests, after they completed their isolation and quarantine. They are expected to continue social-distancing measures.

Thursday, March 26

9:40 p.m.: Roman Reigns reportedly dropped out of his WrestleMania 36 match with Goldberg, per Ryan Satin of Pro Wrestling Sheet. Reigns, a leukemia survivor, reportedly did not feel comfortable working due to his immunocompromised state during the COVID-19 pandemic.
9:21 p.m.: The U.S. Open will be postponed from its originally scheduled dates of June 18-21.
8:42 p.m.: Per ESPN's Jeff Passan, MLB and the MLBPA agree to a deal that includes owners advancing $170 million to players for April and May, granting a full year of service time to players if there's no season, an adjustment to arbitration rules to account for a shortened season and the right for MLB to decrease the amateur draft to five rounds.
7:35 p.m.: Per a memo from Commissioner Roger Goodell to all 32 NFL teams (h/t Tom Pelissero of NFL Network), the NFL Management Council Executive Committee discussed draft-related topics and emerged "unanimous and unequivocal that the draft should go forward as scheduled" from Thursday, April 23 through Saturday, April 25.
4:30 p.m.: The Colorado Avalanche announced an unnamed player tested positive for—and has recovered from—COVID-19.
1:10 p.m.: The IndyCar Series announced the GMR Grand Prix has been rescheduled for July 4 and the 104th running of the Indianapolis 500 has been moved from May 24 to Aug. 23.
11:01 a.m.: The WNBA draft will be held on April 17, but with a "modified virtual draft format."

Wednesday, March 25

6:41 p.m.: New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton announced that he has been "cleared" of COVID-19 in an interview with WWL Radio (h/t Jeff Duncan of The Athletic). Payton is the first known person in the NFL to test positive.
6:22 p.m.: Detroit Pistons big man Christian Wood is "nearly cleared" of COVID-19, per Rod Beard of the Detroit News. Per Beard, one must have two negative tests no fewer than 24 hours from each other for full clearance. Beard reported COVID-19 tests for the rest of the Pistons' traveling party of 50-plus people returned negative.
5:05 p.m.: NHL postpones the NHL Scouting Combine, NHL Awards and NHL draft. The location, timing and format of the draft lottery and the draft will be revealed when details are finalized.
2:32 p.m.: The All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club announced it is weighing all options with regard to the 2020 Wimbledon tournament, including postponing or canceling it.
8:17 a.m.: According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, the Chinese Basketball Association pushed its restart date from April 15 to an undetermined date in May.
1:54 a.m.: Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns announced his mother, Jacqueline Cruz, was placed in a medically induced coma after experiencing symptoms consistent with coronavirus. The Timberwolves confirmed to ESPN's Malika Andrews that Cruz tested positive for COVID-19.

Tuesday, March 24

9:10 p.m.: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell tells NFL teams that all facilities must close by 6 p.m. Wednesday with "limited exceptions." The league will revisit the policy on April 8. Exceptions include athletic trainers and physicians, those entrusted with securing the property and technology personnel.
5:17 p.m.: Top Rank chairman Bob Arum announces the July 18 trilogy bout between Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder will be postponed with the intention to reschedule for an undetermined fall date.
2:15 p.m.: Philadelphia 76ers controlling owner Josh Harris announces that he has reversed a previous decision to ask salaried employees to take a 20 percent pay cut.
12:46 p.m.: The NHL announced that it is temporarily cutting the pay of employees in the league office by 25 percent starting on April 1.
10:36 a.m.: Former New Jersey/Brooklyn Nets center Jason Collins announced that he tested positive for coronavirus after first experiencing symptoms March 11.
9 a.m.: The International Olympic Committee and the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee announced in a joint statement that the 2020 Summer Olympics will be rescheduled to 2021.
12:50 a.m.: Former Texas A&M guard David Edwards died due to complications from coronavirus, according to former teammate Charles Henderson and a university official later confirmed to ESPN that the three-time All-Southwest Conference selection had died.

Monday, March 23

10:31 p.m.: Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment CEO Scott O'Neil announced the Philadelphia 76ers and the New Jersey Devils are asking full-time, salaried employees to take pay cuts of up to 20 percent during the COVID-19 hiatus. Marc Stein of the New York Times reported O'Neil, Sixers general manager Elton Brand, Sixers president Chris Heck and Devils president Jake Reynolds all agreed to salary reductions.
7:11 p.m.: The Hyundai A-League, Australia's top men's soccer league, announced the postponement of the final rounds of the 2019-20 season.
5:59 p.m.: The Canadian Hockey League cancels its 2020 postseason and Memorial Cup.
1:48 p.m.: International Olympic Committee member Dick Pound told USA Today's Christine Brennan the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo will be postponed and are likely going to take place in 2021.
1:45 p.m.: UEFA announced the Champions League final, Europa League final and Women's Champions League final, which were all scheduled to take place in May, have been postponed.
8:30 a.m.: La Liga announced it wouldn't resume its 2019-20 season until the Spanish government confirms matches can be played "without creating any health risk" related to COVID-19.

Sunday, March 22

8:40 p.m.: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says the 2020 Summer Olympics could be postponed, the first time he's publicly stated that possibility, though adds they will not be canceled.
10:48 a.m.: The Dubai World Cup, a race horse with a $12 million purse, is postponed until next year. It was originally scheduled to be held on March 28 without fans in attendance.

Saturday, March 21

7:37 p.m.: Former Real Madrid president Lorenzo Sanz has died from COVID-19. He was 76 years old.
1:58 p.m.: Juventus forward Paulo Dybala announced both he and his girlfriend, Oriana Sabatini, have tested positive for COVID-19. He said they are in "perfect conditions" despite the test results.
1:30 p.m.: The Ottawa Senators announced a second player who went on a recent road trip with stops in Anaheim, Los Angeles and San Jose has tested positive for the coronavirus.
10:20 a.m.: The IIHF Council announced the 2020 World Hockey Championships have been canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic. The tournament was set to begin May 8.
9:50 a.m.: Premier League rivals Manchester City and Manchester United announced they've teamed up to donate £100,000 to help vulnerable people during the coronavirus pandemic. They money is ticketed to help fund food banks in the Greater Manchester area.

Friday, March 20

11:17 p.m.: Liga MX announces that president Enrique Bonilla tested positive for COVID-19.
10:25 p.m.: All Elite Wrestling announced that the "Blood and Guts" match scheduled for March 25, has been postponed. AEW Dynamite will continue to occur on Wednesdays without fans.
5:19 p.m.: PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan will be forgoing his salary indefinitely during the coronavirus pandemic, per Eamon Lynch of Golfweek. Monahan's senior management team will take 25 percent pay cuts, and the salaries for other PGA Tour staff "will be frozen at 2019 levels."
3:31 p.m.: The XFL cancels 2020 season. The league said it looks forward to resuming play in 2021.
10:10 a.m.: The LPGA Tour postpones all tournaments through the Mediheal Championship (April 30 through May 3). The Tour also confirmed the ANA Inspiration, a major championship previously postponed because of the coronavirus, has been rescheduled for Sept. 10-13.
9:05 a.m.: The 2020 Scripps National Spelling Bee has been suspended. It was scheduled to take place during the week of May 24. The Bee plans to work with sponsors, spellers and television partners to reschedule for later in the year.

Thursday, March 19

7:48 p.m.: Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart announces he tested positive for COVID-19.
7:17 p.m.: Two Los Angeles Lakers players tested positive for COVID-19, per Shams Charania of Stadium and The Athletic. Mark Medina of USA Today reported Wednesday that "the majority" of Lakers players received tests that morning at the team's practice facility in El Segundo, California. Charania noted that the Lakers may test other players who did not take part in those tests.
6:11 p.m.: The Philadelphia 76ers announced three members of the organization have received positive tests for the coronavirus.
4:25 p.m.: New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton announces he tested positive for COVID-19, becoming the first known person in the NFL to contract the virus.
2:53 p.m.: The Denver Nuggets announced that a member of the organization tested positive for COVID-19 on March 16 after experiencing symptoms.
1:53 p.m.: The NBA has informed its teams in a memo that players will not be permitted to travel outside North America. Players are allowed to travel outside their market within North America, but the NBA prefers that players remain in the cities in which their teams play.
12:49 p.m.: Bleacher Report's Ric Bucher reported there is "growing anticipation" that all 30 NBA teams will close their practice facilities by the end of the day Thursday.
11:01 a.m.: MLS suspends the season to May 10 after initially suspending it until March 30. MLS also announced that it is planning to play the entire 2020 season and hasn't discussed canceling matches.
9:35 a.m.: The Football Association, Premier League and English Football League released a joint statement detailing their plans for the continuation of their seasons amid the coronavirus pandemic. The FA extended the season's end date past the previously mandated June 1 cutoff and announced that no professional matches will be played in England until May 1 at the earliest.

Wednesday, March 18

8:38 p.m.: Ronald Blum of the Associated Press reports MLB is considering skipping its amateur draft, which is scheduled for June 10-12, and "putting off" the international signing period of July 2-15.
6:03 p.m.: The PGA Tour announced that Victor Lange, a professional golfer on PGA Tour Latinoamerica, tested positive for the coronavirus.
2:08 p.m.: The Cincinnati Reds announced that an "Arizona-based employee" tested positive for COVID-19. The Reds added that any Reds staff member who came into contact with the employee from Feb. 29 through March 14 was being tested and self-quarantined.
2:03 p.m.: The ATP and WTA announce all spring clay court events have been canceled. At this time, "all tournaments taking place from June 8 onwards are still planning to go ahead."

Tuesday, March 17

11:45 p.m.: The Ottawa Senators announce a player tested positive for the coronavirus. Per Elliottee Friedman of Sportsnet and NHL Network, the confirmed case marks the NHL's first positive test.
5:24 p.m.: Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant confirms he has tested positive for the coronavirus: "Everyone be careful, take care of yourself and quarantine. We're going to get through this."
5:12 p.m.: The Associated Press' Doug Ferguson reported the PGA Tour has postponed the PGA Championship, the second major tournament of the season. It was scheduled to begin May 14.
3:57 p.m.: The Brooklyn Nets announced four players tested positive for the coronavirus. Only one of the four is showing symptoms. The organization says it's currently notifying anyone who has had known contact with the players, including recent opponents.
2:32 p.m.: Juventus announced midfielder Blaise Matuidi has tested positive for the coronavirus.
2:25 p.m.: UEFA held a meeting Tuesday with the European Club Association, European Leagues and FIFPRO Europe to reiterate its "commitment to complete all domestic and European club competitions by the end of the current sporting season," which runs through June 30.
11:48 a.m: Roland Garros announces the French Open will be held from September 20 to October 4.
10:11 a.m.: UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin announced Euro 2020 has been postponed until 2021.
10:03 a.m.: The 2020 Copa America will be held from June 11 to July 11 of 2021.
9:00 a.m.: The 2020 Kentucky Derby has been postponed until Sept. 5.
8:40 a.m.: Spanish soccer club Valencia announced 35 percent of its players and staff have tested positive for the coronavirus after playing a Champions League match in Italy last month.

Monday, March 16

7:37 p.m.: The NFL postponed offseason training activities indefinitely and implemented rules stating teams cannot bring free agents to club facilities. Club personnel cannot travel to meet players.
7:08 p.m.: WWE announced "WrestleMania and all related events in Tampa Bay will not take place," although it will stream on pay-per-view and WWE Network.
6:37 p.m.: NASCAR postponed races through May 3 but plans to hold all 36 scheduled races this year.
4:33 p.m.: UFC President Dana White announced in an email to employees that all events through April 11 have been indefinitely postponed.
4 p.m.: The Professional Footballers' Association postpones awards ceremony scheduled for April 26.
2:29 p.m.: LSU Tigers athletic director Scott Woodward announced the school will not hold any more football practices this spring, with the spring football game also being canceled.
12:56 p.m.: MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred told reporters, "we are not going to start on April 9,” meaning the start of the regular season will continue to be pushed back.
12:15 p.m.: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced the draft will be held as scheduled April 23-25 and be televised. However, all public events in Las Vegas related to the draft have been canceled.
9:53 a.m.: Hoffenheim owner Dietmar Hopp told Sport1 that coronavirus vaccine being developed in Germany could be available by fall: "That depends on the Paul-Ehrlich-Institute (the German institute for vaccines). It has to be tested first with animals and then with human beings. But I think it could be available in autumn at the time when possibly the next wave of infections will come."

Sunday, March 15

7:37 p.m.: Following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's recommendation to cancel or postpone events of 50 or more people in the United States for eight weeks, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that NBA owners and executives believe a best-case scenario for resuming the suspended season is returning to play in mid-to-late June with no fans. In addition, Wojnarowski reported that the NBA was researching arena dates into August.
3:01 p.m.: Liga MX, Mexico's top soccer league, announced the indefinite suspension of all games.
1 p.m.: Jazz All-Star center Rudy Gobert posted a video update thanking everybody for their "positive energy" and saying he has been "feeling a little better every single day."
12:08 p.m.: ESPN's Jeff Passan reported the first known COVID-19 case in baseball as an anonymous New York Yankees minor league player tested positive. The player was quarantined on Friday after running a fever. MLB.com's Bryan Hoch added, "There is no link from the infected player to anyone in big league camp."

Saturday, March 14

10:44 p.m.: Cleveland State women's basketball head coach Chris Kielsmeier has tested positive for COVID-19, the school announced, per ESPN.
8:05 p.m.: ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and Stadium and The Athletic's Shams Charania reported that Detroit Pistons big man Christian Wood tested positive for the coronavirus. Per Charania, Wood "has shown no symptoms and is doing well." The 24-year-old played on March 7 against the Utah Jazz, who have two players (Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell) who have tested positive for the coronavirus.
5:17 p.m.: The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum closes indefinitely.
5:08 p.m.: The Nevada State Athletic Commission revokes all licenses for combat sport events in the state through at least March 25, when the NSAC will have another meeting to determine next steps.
4:33 p.m.: The Pro Football Hall of Fame closes to the public from March 16 through March 27.
1:56 p.m.: Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell posted a video saying "I feel fine" after his positive coronavirus test, but he's taking precautions by remaining isolated and "playing video games all day."
7:37 a.m.: The Wynn Las Vegas became the first Nevada casino to temporarily close its sportsbook and poker room because of the coronavirus. Casinos in Ohio and Illinois also suspending gambling.

Friday, March 13

10:44 p.m.: The Toronto Raptors announced all coronavirus test results for their traveling party have come back negative thus far. Toronto was the last team to play the Utah Jazz prior to Jazz center Rudy Gobert and shooting guard Donovan Mitchell testing positive for the coronavirus.
8:27 p.m.: USA Wrestling has postponed the U.S. Olympic trials.
5:35 p.m.: EA announced the suspension of all live competitive gaming series "until the global coronavirus situation improves." Online events will continue.
3:39 p.m.: President Donald Trump declared a national emergency.
2:40 p.m.: ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the NFL has canceled all college player visits to team facilities or schools and only online communication is allowed on an indefinite basis.
1:47 p.m.: Bellator 241 from Connecticut has been postponed.
1:07 p.m.: The London Marathon, scheduled for April 26, has been postponed until October 4.
12:57 p.m.: CBS Sports' Jon Rothstein reported the NCAA has suspended on- and off-campus recruiting in all sports until April 15.
12:30 p.m.: USA Basketball suspends "all scheduled events until further notice." The 2020 Nike Hoop Summit has been canceled, and the 2020 Red Bull USA Basketball 3X Nationals has been postponed.
11:39 a.m.: NASCAR postpones events at Atlanta Motor Speedway and Homestead-Miami Speedway.
11:15 a.m.: Bundesliga matches have been postponed until April 2.
10:23 a.m.: The 2020 Boston Marathon is rescheduled from April 20 until Sept. 14.
10:17 a.m.: Augusta National Golf Club chairman Fred Ridley announced all events during Masters week, including the 2020 Masters Tournament scheduled from April 9-12, have been postponed.
8:38 a.m.: Formula 1 postponed upcoming races in Bahrain (March 20-22) and Vietnam (April 3-5). The FIA currently expects to start the championship in Europe at the end of May, "but given the sharp increase in COVID-19 cases in Europe in recent days, this will be regularly reviewed."
7:33 a.m.: Ligue 1 announced it is suspending play in France's top two leagues.
7:05 a.m.: Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters announced all fixtures will be suspended "with the intention of returning on 4 April, subject to medical advice and conditions at the time."

Thursday, March 12

10:57 p.m.: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver penned a letter to fans saying that "we intend to resume the season, if and when it becomes safe for all concerned."
10:16 p.m.: The San Jose Sharks announced that a part-time employee at their home arena (SAP Center) tested positive for the coronavirus. That person is under self-quarantine and recovering.
9:59 p.m.: The PGA Tour announces that it will cancel the remainder of The Players Championship, as well as all tournaments through the Valero Texas Open, which was slated to occur April 2-5, 2020.
9:34 p.m.: UFC President Dana White announces UFC Brasilia will occur without fans, UFC London will "proceed as planned" and UFC on ESPN 8 will move from Columbus, Ohio, to UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
9:02 p.m.: Chelsea's Callum Hudson-Odoi tested positive for the coronavirus, but is "doing well."
7:13 p.m.: XFL Commissioner Oliver Luck says the XFL will not be playing its regular-season games.
7:08 p.m.: Formula 1 cancels the Australian Grand Prix.
7:00 p.m.: NBA 2K League postpones the start of its 2020 season, originally slated to begin March 24.
6:51 p.m.: AEW moves its March 18 show from Rochester, New York, to Jacksonville, Florida.
6:19 p.m.: WWE moves SmackDown from Detroit to its training facility in Orlando, Florida.
6:17 p.m.: Arsenal confirm manager Mikel Arteta tested positive for the coronavirus.
5:42 p.m.: The McDonald's All American Games are canceled.
4:48 p.m.: The CAA announces a game official from a men's basketball tournament game tested positive for the coronavirus.
4:16 p.m.: The NCAA cancels all remaining winter and spring championships, including the men's and women's basketball tournaments.
3:51 p.m.: The Jordan Brand Classic, originally slated for March 27, is canceled.
3:51 p.m.: Minor League Baseball announced it is delaying the start of its season indefinitely.
3:10 p.m.: MLB cancels spring training games effective at 4 p.m. Thursday. The league also pushed back the start of the 2020 regular season by at least two weeks.
3:05 p.m.: The ACC suspends "athletic related activities" for its member schools, which includes practices, recruiting and NCAA postseason events.
2:31 p.m.: NFL cancels its league meeting, which was originally scheduled to start March 29 in Florida.
1:54 p.m.: Kansas Jayhawks cancel athletic travel and suspended home and away events indefinitely.
1:44 p.m.: Utah Jazz star Donovan Mitchell confirms he tested positive for the coronavirus.
1:36 p.m.: The NHL suspends the 2019-20 season effective Thursday. The league plans to resume "as soon as it is appropriate and prudent."
1:09 p.m.: The Big East cancels its men's basketball tournament, a step that was taken when Creighton and St. John's were at halftime of their game.
12:40 p.m.: The Big 12 cancels the men's and women's basketball tournaments. All further conference championships "will be evaluated by April 15."
12:17. p.m.: The Pac-12 cancels its men's basketball tournament "and all Pac-12 sport competitions and Pac-12 championship events, effective immediately, until further notice."
12:15 p.m.: The ACC cancels the remainder of its men's basketball tournament. Florida State will be recognized as the tournament winner and earn the conference's automatic NCAA tournament bid.
11:54 a.m.: U.S. Soccer cancels matches for the senior men's and women's teams in March and April.
11:47 a.m.: The SEC cancels the remainder of its men's basketball tournament.
11:47 a.m.: The AAC cancels its men's basketball tournament, which was set to begin Thursday.
11:45 a.m.: The Big Ten cancels the remainder of its men's basketball tournament.
11:42 a.m.: Major League Soccer suspends its 2020 season for 30 days.
11:35 a.m.: The International Tennis Federation postpones events until at least the week of April 20.
10:49 a.m.: ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reports Utah Jazz star Donovan Mitchell tested positive for the coronavirus.
10:32 a.m.: The ATP suspends all tournaments until at least the week of April 20.
7:32 a.m.: La Liga postpones Matchdays 28 and 29.
5:24 a.m.: FIBA suspends all competitions indefinitely, beginning March 13.
12:34 a.m.: The NBA G League suspends the 2019-20 season.

Wednesday, March 11

9:31 p.m.: The NBA suspends the 2019-20 season "until further notice."
9:27 p.m.: Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reports Utah Jazz star Rudy Gobert tested positive for the coronavirus.
6:00 p.m.: Juventus announces that defender Daniele Rugani tested positive for the coronavirus "and is currently asymptomatic."