NBA Expecting “Full Capacity” at Arenas Next Season

The NBA is forecasting a return to relative normal in arenas for the 2021-22 regular season. According to a report from ESPN’s Baxter Holmes, the league is anticipating that arenas across the NBA will be at full capacity next year.

Holmes explained that the NBA’s optimism is tied to increases in rapid testing, vaccination roll out and the league’s partnership with Clear. The last item of that trio, Clear, is a company that offers pre-entry screenings for fans looking to get inside the gates.

A key aspect toward that effort is the NBA’s new multiyear leaguewide partnership with Clear, a biometric screening company known for its expedited security process at hundreds of airports worldwide. The partnership makes Clear’s COVID-19 health screening technology available to all 30 teams in their NBA arenas, and it’s expected to help facilitate more fans returning to games, though it’s up to each team how to use the technology.

Holmes explained that the NBA is partnering with Clear, but the service will not be required at every venue.

At this time, nearly two-thirds of NBA teams are allowing a reduced number fans into games. You can read the full report from Holmes at ESPN.