NBA to require players and some staff to wear sensors for COVID-19 contact tracing

istock_123120_covidnba

cmannphoto/iStockBy CARMEN COX, ABC News

(NEW YORK) — The NBA has new plans for managing the spread of COVID-19 during this year’s basketball season.  

A league memo obtained by ESPN outlines plans for players and some staffers to wear contract tracing sensors during team-organized activities with exception to games. The NBA will require Tier 1 and Tier 2 personnel (players, coaches and other specific staffers) to wear the Kinexon SafeZone device during team travel and local transport and during practices. The device will not record GPS location and will only activate when within 6 feet of another person wearing the device.

The league, which conceived the new precautionary strategy along with the players’ union and medical officials, began testing the new contact tracing measures Dec. 23. Officials expect to implement the plan in full on Jan. 7.

The NBA memo also states that players and staff who do not comply with the league’s sensor-wearing requirement will be subject to discipline. The memo does not include specific details about disciplinary action.

Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

scoreboardroundup984221

Scoreboard roundup — 11/18/25

(NEW YORK) — Here are the scores from Tuesday’s sports events: NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUEBlues 2, Maple Leafs 3Kraken 2, Red Wings 4Devils 1, Lightning 5Islanders 3, Stars 2Blue Jackets 2, Jets 5Flames 2, Blackhawks 5Rangers 2, Golden

scoreboardroundup329721

Scoreboard roundup — 11/17/25

(NEW YORK) — Here are the scores from Monday’s sports events: NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUEHurricanes 3, Bruins 1Oilers 1, Sabres 5Canucks 5, Panthers 8Kings 1, Capitals 2Canadiens 3, Blue Jackets 4Mammoth 2, Ducks 3 NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONBucks 106,

scoreboardroundup377879

Scoreboard roundup — 11/16/25

(NEW YORK) — Here are the scores from Sunday’s sports events: NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUECommanders 13, Dolphins 16Panthers 30, Falcons 27Buccaneers 32, Bills 44Texans 16, Titans 13Bears 19, Vikings 17Packers 27, Giants 20Bengals 12, Steelers 34Chargers 6, Jaguars