Football continues to prepare for the likelihood that the coronavirus pandemic will affect next season.
Sports Business Journal reported Friday that there have been discussions about moving up the college football season to begin in July and conclude in September, just one of several possible contingency plans surrounding the pandemic that has shut down public life across the globe.
The earlier start conforms with the view that the virus might let up during the summer before returning for a second wave in the fall.
In a hypothetical put forward by SBJ, a shortened summer season might consist only of conference games and end with no postseason.
Per the report, all other contingency plans would have the season start later. Unlike pro leagues that can theoretically tear up the calendar in an emergency, college sports are tied to the academic calendar, graduations and issues of eligibility and scholarships. A college football season that is continually pushed back due to the virus would be unlikely to ever be played.
Football has largely been unaffected by the pandemic as it is in its offseason. On the college side, intrasquad spring games and practices have been canceled along with all other athletic activities. On the pro side, the NFL Draft is going on as scheduled, but the league is preparing for the possibility of canceled games and refunds.
[News from Sports Business Journal 3.27]
