New York, California, Texas move toward pro sports' return

Governors from New York, California and Texas said Monday that professional sports could resume in their respective states in the near future.

All major sports have been shut down since March because of the coronavirus pandemic.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he is encouraging major sports teams in the state to plan to reopen without fans.

"Hockey, basketball, baseball, football -- whoever can reopen -- we're a ready, willing and able partner," Cuomo said during his daily news conference.

"I think this is in the best interest of all the people and the best interest of the state of New York."

California Gov. Gavin Newsom later said that sports could resume without fans in his state as soon as the "first week or so of June."

Speaking at his daily news conference, Newsom said sports could return "without spectators and with modification and very prescriptive conditions" if the number of coronavirus cases and hospitalizations in the state continue to decrease.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said professional sports without fans could resume at the end of May. In addition, he said Little League baseball can resume play, with parents watching under social distancing guidelines.

Major League Baseball is in talks with players on a plan to restart the season, and the NFL released its schedule earlier this month.

"Personal disclosure: I want to watch the Buffalo Bills," said Cuomo, who gave his briefing in Roswell Park in Buffalo, New York.

Western New York, including the city of Buffalo, has met the state's coronavirus containment goals and will begin Phase 1 of reopening its economy on Tuesday. The Bills' organization is not included in the Phase 1 plans and is not yet able to return to its facility in Orchard Park.

Governors in Florida and Arizona previously announced that their states were open to have pro sports resume.