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When are major sports leagues restarting?

Even as the number of coronavirus cases continues to increase, many U.S.-based leagues are planning for a return. However, it won't be back to usual.

Teams and fans are eagerly awaiting sports to return as many events were suspended due to the coronavirus

Even as the number of coronavirus cases continues to rise across the country, many sports leagues are looking to slowly and safely restart operations. 

No matter where a sport is played, arenas, fields and courses will largely be empty as leagues work to prohibit the spread of the virus between spectators and athletes. However, fewer spectators also mean less income, which is being reflected in some athletes' salaries. Below is the current status of all major sports leagues. 

MLB

Major League Baseball will have a 60-game season beginning on July 24 without spectators. "Spring training" will begin on July 1.

New safety protocols will be in place to protect players and managers including multiple testings per week with frequent temperature checks. Players and managers will also be required to wear masks while in the dugout.

Without spectators buying tickets to watch games, players will receive 37% of their full-season salary.

RELATED: Bubble-free life means MLB players, coaches must be careful over coronavirus

Credit: AP
A member of the Salt River Fields grounds crew puts the finishing touches on the home plate area prior to a spring training baseball game between the Colorado Rockies and the Cincinnati Reds Tuesday, March 10, 2020, in Scottsdale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

NBA

The NBA is planning to begin training camp on June 30 in Orlando, Fla., but this is now in question as the number of coronavirus cases in the state continues to rise. 

The league is also planning on having 22 teams compete in Orlando on July 31 with both regular-season games and a play-in tournament to decide postseason berths. Fans will not be allowed to attend. 

As for the 2020-21 season, it is currently planned to start Dec. 1, but that is subject to change. 

RELATED: NBA sets schedule for season restart at Disney World

NFL

The NFL is planning to start training camps on July 28 with the season starting Sept. 10 with the Houston Texans against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Currently, the league is considering just two preseason games per team with the Hall of Fame Game and induction ceremony already canceled.

While allowing fans into the stadium is still being determined, the NFL is planning on creating a new seating plan blocking the first six to eight rows for logos and local sponsor signage.

The Miami Dolphins have already unveiled plans to limit crowds to as much as 15,000 people in a 65,000-seat facility.

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Credit: AP
Houston Texans' Jonathan Grimes recovers an onside kick in front of San Diego Chargers' Darrell Stuckey during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

NHL

The National Hockey League said it is going to abandon the current regular season and move straight to a 24-team playoff.

Training camps will first begin July 10 before the playoffs. 

Games will be held in empty arenas in two hub cities that would house players and staff during the season restart. The hubs would have secure arenas, hotels and practice cities with aggressive coronavirus testing and protocols at each site.

RELATED: NHL not planning to quarantine players for training camps

NCAA

Division I college football is planning a six-week preseason practice, which has been approved by the NCAA D-1 Council. 

Practices are set to begin Aug. 7, but many schools have already halted summer training as cases begin to increase. 

Some leagues, including the Patriot League consisting of schools like American University, Boston University and the U.S. Naval Academy, have already announced a shortened season with longer travel for away games halted.

RELATED: NCAA proposal for extended college football preseason set

WNBA

The women's basketball league is preparing a 22-game season beginning July 24 at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. The playoffs will likely happen at the same facility in late October. Even though its schedule is reduced by 14 games, players will receive 100% of their salaries. 

RELATED: WNBA plans to play 2020 season in Florida starting late July

MLS

Teams began arriving in Florida on June 24 for the MLS is Back Tournament, which is set to begin July 8. The teams will participate in a total of 54 matches until Aug. 11. All games will prohibit spectators and begin at 9 a.m, 8 p.m. or 10 p.m. for weather and television broadcast purposes. The league will also furnish a $1 million prize pool to support charities in clubs' home markets.

RELATED: MLS to restart its season with tournament starting July 8

NASCAR

NASCAR has already returned with a packed schedule and limited spectators. This past weekend drivers raced in the Pocono 325 and 350 and are planning to next race the Big Machine 400 on July 5 in Indianapolis. A full list of upcoming races can be found here

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Credit: AP
Denny Hamlin (11) and Kyle Busch (18) come through a turn during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race Wednesday, June 10, 2020, in Martinsville, Va. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

PGA

The PGA Tour has also restarted; however, without spectators. In its third event this past weekend, golfers were in Cromwell, Conn., for the Travelers Championship. A full list of the tour's upcoming U.S. events can be found here

The European Tour plans to resume July 22 for the four-day Betfred British Masters event in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England.

RELATED: 'An absolute zoo': Positive COVID-19 test, busy South Carolina island rattle PGA

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