Spanish basketball back with 'bubble' format like NBA plan

Spain is next to start playing professional basketball amid coronavirus pandemic using a “bubble” format similar to one planned by NBA.

Spain’s main league, considered one of world's best outside of NBA, will resume Wednesday with launch of a 12-team tournament playing in a single venue in eastern city of Valencia. re will be 33 matches played without fans in a two-week span.

Germany resumed its league two weeks ago using a similar enclosed format in Munich, and NBA is set to follow suit in late July with 22 teams playing at Disney campus near Orlando, Florida.

18-team Euroleague canceled its season in May as pandemic prompted border restrictions in most European countries.

“Two months ago, it seemed crazy just to think about playing again,” Spanish league president Antonio Martín said. “Many people put in a lot of work and a lot of effort to make this happen. If it hadn’t been for this joint effort, thing would have been possible. This is already a victory that deserves celebration.”

re will be tight health safety measures in place in Valencia with players and team members being constantly monitored. nearly 600 people involved are assigned to one of four hotels. training facilities and hotels are located within about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) of each or, with everyone confined to that area.

top 12 clubs in standings when league was suspended in mid-March have been divided into two groups of six for final phase. Barcelona heads one group, and Real Madrid or. top two from each group advance. single-match final is scheduled for June 30.

“Everything is new for everyone,” Baskonia coach Dusko Ivavic said. “It could be a more interesting tournament, similar to a playoff. You can win title in seven games.”

Defending champion Real Madrid was one of teams directly affected by pandemic when American forward Trey Thompkins tested positive for coronavirus after a match played in Milan. positive result in March prompted Madrid’s basketball and soccer teams to enter quarantine because y shared some facilities at club’s training center.

“We are in this bubble to avoid risk of infections,” Real Madrid point guard Sergio Llull said. “It’s strange, and mentally it requires a big effort, but we’re going to do it so that everything goes well and people can enjoy basketball again from ir homes.”

Spanish basketball league said games in this final tournament will be broadcast in 125 countries, including United States.

Spanish soccer league resumed without fans last week with matches played across country.