Wednesday, September 2, 2026

Emmert and Silver Sound Off

  • Emmert says college sports are unlikely until there are students on campus.
  • NBA decision on return could wait until mid-June, according to Silver.
Mark Emmert
Photo Credit: Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

NCAA President Mark Emmert took to the organization’s Twitter account on Friday, while NBA Commissioner Adam Silver held a conference call with NBA players, offering some insight on how some of sports’ most powerful executives anticipate a return to action.

No Sports Without Students

Emmert said if schools aren’t open this fall, there won’t be sports. While he said school presidents and conference commissioners are on the same page — some haven’t reached that conclusion yet.

“College athletes are college students, and you can’t have college sports if you don’t have college (campuses) open and having students on them,” Emmert said.

NBA Decision In June?

Citing that 40% of league revenue comes from game nights in arenas, Silver was wary to say fans would even be able to fully return to arenas next season. He also told players a decision to return to this season might not be made until at least mid-June.

Other notes:

  • Return to play likely would be in one or two potential sites, like Orlando and Las Vegas
  • NBA wants to conclude with a seven-game playoff structure
  • Possibility next season starts in December

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