"Huge opportunity": BBL clubs want to decide on the season

The top leagues in handball, volleyball and ice hockey surrendered before the Corona virus: Behind Krösus football, the Bundesliga basketball players continue to fight for their season. Before the decisive video switch, the mood is split.

Cologne (dpa) - Extended playoffs, tournament format with a reduced field, ghost games at three locations - or the demolition? As the last of the major German professional leagues behind football, the basketball Bundesliga is struggling to continue its season in the corona crisis.

On April 27, the 17 clubs and the league leaders want to decide whether and how it will continue in a video slot from 12 noon. "It is very important to me that we achieve a unity and achieve a common result with which everyone can live in the end," said BBL Managing Director Stefan Holz of the German Press Agency.

Game operations are currently suspended until April 30th. The league leader around wood has positioned itself clearly and is in favor of continuing the season without spectators. The clubs have a split mood in front of the pioneering counter. Clubs such as the former series champion Brose Bamberg and medi Bayreuth publicly advocate a demolition, leaders FC Bayern Munich and EWE Baskets Oldenburg, for example, want to continue.

"It will be a huge opportunity for us if we start again in the Bundesliga," said Gunnar Woebke, managing director of Fraport Skyliners from Frankfurt, referring to the special role that the BBL would play. The German top leagues in handball, volleyball and ice hockey ended their season prematurely, and there is currently virtually no live sport internationally. "The sports nation will look at us and be interested in the games," argued Wöbke. "But I also think the whole world will look at us and be interested in the games. We have a chance to find new people."

The league had adjourned a final decision almost five weeks ago, now it should be clear. The BBL is betting that the club representatives will be authorized to make a decision on Monday. This is in the interests of many clubs. "We are eagerly waiting to find out what will happen next," said Giessen manager Michael Koch of dpa. "The BBL must finally make a decision so that the clubs can plan - also for the next season. Another non-statement by the BBL will be difficult."

The clubs have received possible scenarios from the league in preparation. The following is important:

GAME PLAN: It is clear that with thirteen to eleven games outstanding per team, the main round cannot simply continue to the state of the interruption. Instead, the season should end with games without spectators in three or four locations. "Everything else is not realistic," said Holz.

HYGIENE: Similar to the Bundesliga, the BBL needs a plan for politics to agree. "We have of course downloaded the concept of the DFL and have a look at what we can do for ourselves if the season continues," said Holz.

FORMAT: Bayern Munich managing director Marko Pesic brought into play the variant that only the clubs that want to complete the season. This would require a new mode: It would be conceivable, according to the Spanish model, to play the finalists in groups. An extended knockout round could also be possible.

MASTER: With only two losses, the defending champion from Munich leads the table confidently. The league left it open whether the Bayern would be crowned champion in handball in the same way as THW Kiel. "The master this year will always be called the Corona master. And will always have an asterisk," said the former European champion Koch. "Nobody wants a Corona title."

FUTURE: The decision to continue would also be made with a view to Telekom, which broadcasts all BBL games via "Magentasport". "Even in difficult times, you have to see how you can satisfy this partner," said BBL boss Holz. Ghost games could also provide a learning effect for the upcoming season. In Berlin, where Alba is based, sports events with spectators are prohibited until October 24th.

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