Full capacity crowds to return to NBA in 2021-22: report

Working with a biometric screening company, the NBA is forging ahead with the expectation of having full capacity crowds for the 2021-22 season.

The NBA’s league-wide partnership with CLEAR is to be formally announced this week, according to an ESPN report this week.

CLEAR is involved in the screening of travelers at hundreds of airports around the world.

“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…,” ESPN reported.

With health screenings on the rise, a path forward for the NBA is visible despite the global pandemic. And a return to full capacity crowds is a part of that plan.

The NBA and National Basketball Players Association have announced that they will ease COVID-19 restrictions for players and personnel who are fully vaccinated.

A path to full capacity crowds

To return to full capacity crowds, the NBA is following guidelines and protocols to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Working with CLEAR gives the NBA procedures to test league personnel and document the findings. CLEAR’s Health Pass program features employees’ health surveys, vaccination records and COVID-19 test results, ESPN reported.

The Orlando Magic teamed up with CLEAR in December. They became the first NBA team to do so.

Meanwhile, the CLEAR Health Pass program is tied to safety at league venues. It’s not just for players and team personnel.

As a result, the CLEAR app is available for fans to download on their mobile phones.

“To link their COVID-19 test results, fans log in to their testing account … and results will be linked to their health pass,” ESPN reported.