The WNBA announced Monday it plans to begin a 22-game regular season in late July, played entirely at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.
IMG Academy is a boarding school focused on elite sports training for teenagers. The 12 WNBA teams will live and practice at the site from July to October.
The 22-game schedule, down from its usual 34 games, will be followed by a “traditional playoff format,” according to the league’s press release. The season will be played entirely without fans.
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in a statement that players will receive their full salaries and benefits despite the shortened season.
“We are finalizing a season start plan to build on the tremendous momentum generated in the league during the offseason and have used the guiding principles of health and safety of players and essential staff to establish necessary and extensive protocols,” Engelbert said. “We will continue to consult with medical experts and public health officials as well as players, team owners and other stakeholders as we move forward with our execution plan.”
The defending champion Washington Mystics and the league’s other 11 teams will report to Bradenton in early July for a brief training camp before the season gets underway. The schedule has not yet been released.
• Adam Zielonka can be reached at azielonka@washingtontimes.com.
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