Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the NBA suspend its season in March 2020?
The NBA suspended its season on Wednesday, March 11th due to the spread of COVID-19. The suspension left fans and analysts alike without basketball and searching for creative solutions to bring it back.
Who is Jay Williams and what show did he pitch his NBA cruise ship idea on?
Jay Williams is a former Chicago Bulls point guard who went on to become a basketball analyst. He pitched his cruise ship playoff idea on the ESPN radio show Golic & Wingo.
What exactly was Jay Williams' plan to restart the NBA season?
Williams proposed using two massive cruise ships — one for the Eastern Conference and one for the Western Conference — where players, staff, and immediate family members would be tested, isolated, and kept at sea for roughly 40 days. Two basketball courts would be built on each ship, games would be broadcast by media companies, and the playoffs would culminate in a championship game on a cruise ship.
Would fans be allowed to attend games under Jay Williams' cruise ship NBA plan?
No, fans would not be allowed on the cruise ships under Williams' plan. However, broadcasting companies would be able to air the games so fans could still watch from home.
How long would players have to prepare before the playoffs started under Williams' cruise ship proposal?
Under Williams' plan, teams would be given about a week to prepare before heading straight into the playoffs after the roughly 40-day isolation period on the cruise ships.