MLB, MLS, NBA and NHL Limiting Access to Locker Rooms Over Coronavirus

Major League Baseball (MLB), Major League Soccer (MLS), the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the National Hockey League (NHL) will be limited access to all team locker rooms and clubhouses over concerns of the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19.)

The four professional sports leagues issued the following joint statement: "After consultation with infection disease and public health experts, and given the issues that can be associated with close contact pre- and post-game settings, all team locker rooms and clubhouses will be open only to players and essential employees of teams and team facilities until further notice. Media access will be maintained in designated locations outside of the locker room and clubhouse setting. These temporary changes will be effective beginning with tomorrow’s games and practices. We will continue to closely monitor this situation and take any further steps necessary to maintain a safe and welcoming environment."

Whether or not all sporting events will move forward without fans has yet to be confirmed, but the Golden State Warriors announced today (March 11) they will play their next home game without fans present after San Francisco Mayor London Breed banned all public gatherings of 1,000 people or more. Per CNBC, Seattle and its surrounding areas have also banned gatherings of 1,000 people or more. Washington has the highest amount of COVID-19 cases with 267 confirmed.