Donald Trump to meet with NASCAR, other leagues by phone
By Asher Fair
President Donald Trump is set to meet with a NASCAR representative and other league commissioners by phone today at noon.
Sports leagues have been unable to escape the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, and they have been forced to postpone or cancel many events.
The NBA, NHL, MLS and WNBA seasons have been suspended indefinitely, the start of the MLB season has been delayed and NASCAR has seen more than a dozen races across the Cup Series, Xfinity Series and Truck Series postponed indefinitely. IndyCar has also postponed and canceled multiple races. UFC, WWE and PGA Tour action has also been brought to a halt.
The NFL season hasn’t been directly impacted, with the Super Bowl having taken place just over a month before the situation was declared a pandemic, but there is a chance that could change.
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Today, sometime after noon, we could know more.
Associated Press NBA writer Tim Reynolds has reported that President Donald Trump is set to meet with the commissioners of these leagues by phone today at 12:00 p.m. ET. They include NBA commissioner Adam Silver, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and MLS commissioner Don Garber.
President Trump is scheduled to meet by phone with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, NASCAR President Steve Phelps and MLS Commissioner Don Garber today at noon.
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) April 4, 2020
According to ESPN Senior NFL Insider Adam Schefter, also set to be on the call are WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert, UFC president Dana White, WWE chairman and CEO Dana White and PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan.
Scheduled participants on call with Trump:
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 4, 2020
NBA – Adam Silver
WNBA – Cathy Engelbert
MLB – Rob Manfred
NFL – Roger Goodell
NHL – Gary Bettman
PGA Tour – Jay Monahan
UFC – Dana White
WWE - Vince McMahon
NASCAR – John Middlebrook or Jim France.
MLS – Don Garber.
Notice: No NCAA. https://t.co/ZqKhN6sdGO
It had initially been reported that NASCAR‘s representative would be president Steve Phelps, but according to Schefter, that was changed to commissioner John Middlebrook or CEO and chairman Jim France. IndyCar owner Roger Penske will also be on the call, Sports Business Journal’s Adam Stern confirmed.
.@IndyCar Owner Roger Penske will be on today's call with President Trump, per person familiar. pic.twitter.com/ObAPK9KxCL
— Adam Stern (@A_S12) April 4, 2020
Next. Top 10 NASCAR drivers of all-time. dark
This call could very well be the first step in getting somewhat of an idea of when any of these sports will return to action. For more information about COVID-19, visit the CDC’s website or the website for your state’s Department of Health.