WNBA prepares for a virtual 2020 draft

The WNBA Draft 2020 will go on as scheduled on April 17, the league announced on Thursday.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic and the need to maintain social distancing practices, the draft will not feature the ballrooms of draft years past — it will be held virtually, and include a tribute to Alyssa Altobelli, Gianna Bryant and Payton Chester, the three members of the the Mambas basketball team who lost their lives in a helicopter crash in January.

The draft originally was scheduled to be televised on ESPN2 at 8 p.m. ET. After WNBA devotees, including projected No. 1 overall pick Sabrina Ionescu, chided the network for relegating WNBA coverage to ESPN2 even when no other sports are being played amid the pandemic, the draft was moved to ESPN, with events kicking off at 7 p.m. ET.

The league’s press release states (in part):

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the WNBA will conduct a virtual draft without players, guests, and media. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert will announce the draft picks live on ESPN2 with coverage beginning at 8 p.m. ET, and top prospects will take part remotely. The draft will also be available on the ESPN App.

“The WNBA draft is a time to celebrate the exceptional athletes whose hard work and dreams are realized with their selections in the draft,” Engelbert said. “Safeguarding the health and well-being of our prospects, players, employees, and everyone connected to our game as well as the general public is paramount. With that in mind, we will work diligently with our broadcast partner, ESPN, to create a memorable but virtual event that appropriately honors these accomplished athletes.”

As for the forthcoming WNBA season — with training camp scheduled to start on April 26 and the season’s tipoff slated for May 15:

The league is conducting ongoing scenario planning around the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the upcoming season ... and will provide updates regarding any changes to key dates.