AUSTRALIA’S summer sporting leagues are assessing their options as Western Australia’s strict border protocols show no sign of loosening.
WA Premier Mark McGowan this week said his state would not open to Victoria and NSW until “sometime in the first half of next year”, while he also flagged closing off states who do.
The rigid seven-day quarantine period for visiting teams has thrown a cloud of uncertainty over the upcoming NBL, BBL and A-League seasons, while the summer of tennis could also be affected.
It’s understood some contingency planning revolves around Perth-based teams being temporarily relocated under a worst-case scenario.
WA is the last jurisdiction in the nation to unveil a re-opening roadmap and has the lowest percentage of double vaccinated citizens at 60.8 per cent as of October 26.
Perth Glory owner Tony Sage this week said he was close to quitting the club amid fears sport will be shut out from the state.
The A-League season is due to start on November 19, with Glory scheduled to host Adelaide United the next day.
The NBL season kicks off on December 3, with the perennial title contending Perth Wildcats set to open their campaign at home that night against the Brisbane Bullets.
NBL commissioner Jeremy Loeliger said “it is not yet clear” whether the Wildcats will be able to host games this upcoming season.
It’s understood the Wildcats remain a chance to be relocated.
Perth was also due to host a leg of tennis’ ATP Cup which starts on December 29, but is expected to lose the event to Sydney.
ATP Cup Perth general manager Brett Patten said it now highly unlikely that WA will play a part in the Australian summer of tennis.
The Big Bash League starts on December 5.
The Perth Scorchers are scheduled to host Brisbane Heat at Optus Stadium on December 8, but given WA’s seven-day quarantine it’s difficult to see how some matches can take place as fixtured.
Cricket Australia is standing firm on the fifth Ashes Test taking place at Optus Stadium on January 14, despite it coming only five days after the Aussies and England meet in Sydney.