Will they or won't they?

The GIST: As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, we’re still dealing with a lot of ifs, buts, and maybes about sports that should be starting up again soon.

Tennis: We’re about two months away from the projected August 3rd restart of the official WTA and ATP seasons, but the first scheduled Grand Slam event — the US Open, which is set to start on August 31st — is still a big question mark, with the US Tennis Association (USTA) hoping to make a yay or nay call by the end of June.

• If the US Open does get the go-ahead, they have a plan! The USTA is looking at chartering flights from hub cities around the world, using fewer on-court officials, and limiting players’ entourages. Also, the ball kids will be adults (and yes, we have thought of applying) and there may even be some fans.

MLB: What a mess. After the MLB presented a pretty disgraceful proposal to the MLB Players’ Association (MLBPA) last week, the MLBPA is now looking to submit a counterproposal that would suggest 114 games (the league proposed 82, while a “normal” regular season generally has 162) and prorated salaries. It’s highly unlikely that the MLB will go for it, so we’re still quite a few steps away from mediation.

• Time is running short, though. The league has been planning to start the season over the Fourth of July weekend, with the original hope that a deal would be met by today (LOL not happening). With all the unknowns, some team owners are now saying they’re willing to call off the entire season. Now that’s glass-half-empty talk.

Basketball: The WNBA still hasn’t made any official statement on the 2020 season since it was indefinitely postponed on April 3rd (we’re getting so impatient!), but rumor has it they might be considering a bubble scenario similar to the NBA. Just tell us something...anything...already!

• Speaking of the NBA, their bubble plan is on the bubble. The Board of Governors is set to vote this week on the format of the Disney World plan, which should *knock on wood* start July 31st. Commissioner Adam Silver is apparently proposing a 22-team scenario (with a 20-team return also on the table), but it’s pretty certain that not all 30 teams will return to play.