The inevitable postponement of the start of the WNBA season is now official as the professional women’s basketball league announced Friday that training camp and opening tip of the 2020 season has been delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic.
“As developments continue to emerge around the COVID-19 pandemic, including the extension of the social distancing guidelines in the United States through April 30, the WNBA will postpone the start of its training camps and tip of the regular season originally scheduled for May 15,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said.
“While the league continues to use this time to conduct scenario-planning regarding new start dates and innovative formats, our guiding principle will continue to be the health and safety of the players, fans and employees.”
The WNBA Draft, albeit in virtual form, is still on as planned for 6 p.m. on April 17. Minnesota has the sixth and 16th picks in the draft.
The Lynx issued the following statement in response to the season being postponed.
“The Lynx fully support the WNBA’s decision today to postpone the start of the upcoming WNBA season. The safety of our fans, players and staff is of the utmost importance. Our thoughts and prayers are with those impacted by the pandemic and we thank those who are working tirelessly to fight the coronavirus.”
The Lynx were set to open the season May 15 at Chicago, with their home opener at Target Center two days later against Indiana.
