We are in uncharted waters. The NBA has shuttered its doors, leaving fans at a loss and plenty of workers in limbo. While there is nothing the Kings can do about the league-wide shutdown, they can and will take care of their own.
According to the team, the Kings will continue to compensate employees, at least through the end of March.
“We are committed to assisting all of our employees through this uncertain time. All part-time, hourly Kings event team members will be compensated for the shifts they were previously scheduled to work in March.”
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The Kings aren’t the first ownership group to step to the table. Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban announced Thursday that the Mavs will continue to pay employees of the American Airlines Center as if games were still being played.
Former All-Star forward Kevin Love stepped up in Cleveland, vowing to donate $100,000 to help the workers of Quicken Loans Arena.
NBA
The NBA is on hiatus for a minimum of 30 days following Wednesday’s positive COVID-19 test by Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert. Teammate Donovan Mitchell tested positive Thursday as well.
On Thursday evening, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver sent out the following message:
As you know, we have temporarily suspended our season in response to the coronavirus pandemic. We made this decision to safeguard the health and well-being of fans, players, everyone connected to our game and the general public. This hiatus will last at least 30 days and we intend to resume the season, if and when it becomes safe for all concerned.
In the meantime, we will continue to coordinate with infectious disease and public health experts along with government officials to determine safe protocols for resuming our games. As we develop the appropriate course for future NBA games and events, we will keep you informed of any changes as soon as they happen. Tickets already purchased for a postponed game will be honored when the game is rescheduled. If games are not played or played in an empty arena, teams will work with fans on a credit for a future game or a refund.
We encourage you to visit NBA.com for the latest news, updates and interactive features to stay connected to the game. You will also find guidelines on how to keep yourself and your family safe and healthy.
This remains a complicated and rapidly evolving situation that reminds us that we are all part of a broader society with a responsibility to look out for one another. That is what the NBA will continue to do, and we are grateful for your understanding and for being the best fans in sports.
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Since the NBA took the unprecedented step of suspending the season, the NCAA, MLB, NHL and countless other professional sports leagues have followed suit, with the NCAA canceling March Madness altogether.
We are in uncertain times, but the NBA is leading the way. There is no word on whether the Kings or other franchises will honor their commitment to event staffing and employees once the calendar turns April. Like everything else, they likely will take these matters one step at a time.