Skip to main content
Work with the NEU
NBA makes masks mandatory for players and coaches
San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Chip Engelland wears a face mask and gloves to protect against the spread of COVID-19 as he helps the team warm up prior to an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers in San Antonio

THE NBA is adopting a tougher masks policy, telling teams on Monday that players on the active roster will have to wear face coverings in the bench area until they enter games.

That memo was released on the same day the Brooklyn Nets ruled All-Star forward Kevin Durant out for last night’s game against Utah in accordance with the league’s health and safety protocols for dealing with coronavirus.

Among the new rules, which took effect last night: players who are dressed for games and eligible to participate must wear a face mask until they enter the game, all players and coaches must wear face masks when outside the team environment if they are around other players and coaches, and players must report the names of any private trainer, therapist, chiropractor or other specialist who they work with outside of the team facility.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
Exeter Chiefs' Henry Slade ahead of the Premier final at the Twickenham Stadium, London, June 20, 2026
Men’s Rugby Union / 9 July 2026
9 July 2026
Bayern Munich's Harry Kane with The Bundesliga Meisterschale (championship shield) at the Allianz Arena, Munich, after his side won the Bundesliga title. Picture date: Saturday May 10, 2025
Men's Football / 22 August 2025
22 August 2025

JAMES NALTON takes a look at the German league’s move to grow its audience in Britain, and around the future of football on TV in general

Former Arsenal footballer Thomas Partey at London's Westminster Magistrates' Court where he is accused of rape, August 5, 2025
Men’s football / 5 August 2025
5 August 2025