Tory says early talks underway with Jays, Raptors
Toronto Mayor John Tory said Tuesday that there have been preliminary talks with Major League Baseball’s Blue Jays and the National Basketball Association’s Raptors about a return to action as restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic begin to ease.
Tory said the city is working with the Ontario provincial government on decision-making regarding the Raptors, and that “things are moving forward quite nicely.” Tory did not pro- vide details on the discussions, but the NBA is currently planning to allow teams to open practice facilities starting Friday, though government clearance would be required.
“I expect there will be some news to report on that in a way again that is going to be consistent in making sure our team and our players (will not) be put at a competitive disadvantage,” Tory said. “But at the same time respecting completely the imperatives we have with regard to public health and stopping the spread of COVID-19.”
The NBA was originally planning to allow facilities to open last Friday before pushing the date back by a week. It has said it may do so again if more time is needed.
Once facilities open, workouts will be limited. The Associated Press reported last week, citing a person with knowledge of the league’s plans, that players would have to wear face masks inside facilities except when working out, and that any staff members present would have to wear face masks and gloves.
Additionally, a minimum distance of 12 feet (more than 3.5 metres) would be required as a buffer between players and staff members working with them.
Most NBA teams have between 15 and 20 games left on the original regular-season schedule. The defending champion Raptors (46-18) sit second in the Eastern Conference.
Tory said he has discussed the possibility of the Blue Jays eventually being able to play games “here or elsewhere” at some point, but added the talks were at a preliminary level.
The majority of players on the Blue Jays and Raptors are currently outside Canada and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said non-residents entering the country would “at a strict minimum” need to follow quarantine protocols.
A spokesperson for Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment — owner of the Raptors — declined comment on the possible resumption of the NBA season.
A spokesperson for the Blue Jays said the team has had preliminary discussions with municipal and provincial government officials and that there are “no concrete updates to share at this stage.”
Tory’s comments come as leagues try to work out a path to return to action. The National Hockey League is looking at plans to centralize groups of teams in low-risk centres in hopes of resuming the 2019-20 campaign this summer.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford said Tuesday he has had talks with the league about Toronto serving as a hub city, and Alberta Premier Jason Kenney has said he has been in talks about Edmonton serving as a hub.