The NBA announced on Wednesday night that it is suspending its season until further notice after two players tested positive for the coronavirus.

The coronavirus claimed its latest victim after the NBA announced that the current season will be suspended indefinitely, effective immediately. 

In a statement, the NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said, “The NBA is suspending game play following the conclusion of tonight’s schedule of games until further notice. The NBA will use this hiatus to determine next steps for moving forward in regard to the coronavirus pandemic.” 

The unprecedented move by the NBA is a drastic reaction to the escalating spread of the coronavirus across the USA. This precautionary move was made to protect their players, fans, arena personnel from contracting the illness. There will be massive financial losses across the board, but safety is of paramount importance for the NBA. 

The Athletic’s Shams Charnia reports that the player who tested positive was Utah Jazz centre Rudy Gobert. Charania reports that Gobert was “feeling good, strong and stable” and felt ready to play before Wednesday’s game against  the Thunder. 

ESPN’s Royce Young reports that Gobert was not in the arena prior to the scheduled tip. However, seconds before the game was about to start, league officials halted play. After thirty five minutes, the NBA announcer asked that fans leave because the game will not commence due to unforeseen circumstances. 

A second NBA player, Utah Jazz guard was also tested positive with COVID-19. The story is developing.