The list of players and organizations is growing, as efforts expand to help event staff impacted by the coronavirus shutdown.
Rookie sensation Zion Williamson has joined the Bucks Giannis Antekounmpo, Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert, who contracted the virus, and Cavalier’s forward Kevin Love, pledging support to those affected.
Williamson, who’s strong play for the Pelicans was garnering him late consideration for Rookie of the Year, announced via Instagram that he would cover 30 days of salary for workers at the Smoothie King Center—the Pelican’s home court.
The Lakers, Clippers and the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings are creating a fund with the Staples Center—home to all three teams—to assist more than 2,800 hourly workers who would normally be on duty for the team’s games.
The Lakers, Clippers, Kings and STAPLES Center have joined together to establish a fund to provide financial support to all hourly event staff employees impacted by the suspension of sporting events at STAPLES Center.https://t.co/2oItIzw5kq
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) March 14, 2020
In Chicago, the Bulls and NHL’s Blackhawks have agreed along with the United Center to pay 1,200 game-day staff through the end of their seasons.
Other NBA teams pledging support were the Denver Nuggets, who said they will continue paying part-time and hourly staff for the next 30 days, and the Orlando Magic.
Magic CEO Alex Martins announced during a news conference that the organization was working on a compensation plan for hourly workers.
Magic players had also expressed interest in participating in the plan.
Additional teams pledging support or drawing up plans include the Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Phoenix Suns, Toronto Raptors, and Washington Wizards