The NBA will require COVID-19 vaccinations for employees who interact directly with players, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
Charania tweeted Saturday afternoon that referees will be required to be fully vaccinated, as will coaches, front-office executives and “all other personnel who interact with players during the NBA season.”
On Friday, Charania reported that people who have in-person interactions with players will require vaccination. This group expands to include medical and performance staff, PR and social media reps, and security for the team and arena.
The Athletic’s John Hollinger clarified that the league cannot mandate player vaccination because the deal with the players’ union is collectively bargained with the NBA. However, the league can require other personnel to receive the vaccinations.
Some teams and arenas have created individual mandates. The Golden State Warriors will require fans ages 12 and up to show proof of vaccination and will not accept a negative COVID-19 test. The Sacramento Kings said all employees must be vaccinated by Nov. 1. Barclays Center, which hosts the NBA Brooklyn Nets and WNBA New York Liberty, mandates vaccinations for employees and fans ages 12 and up.
Oklahoma had a seven-day average of 2,577 new coronavirus cases on Aug. 27, according to the Oklahoma State Department of Health. That number was as low as 103 on June 7, according to the New York Times.