Most group games will be played in prime time on major sports networks over 16 straight days beginning Wednesday
SALT LAKE CITY — COVID-19 has dominated the storylines in the buildup to the monthlong MLS is Back Tournament in Orlando, even more so on Monday as FC Dallas was forced to withdraw from the tournament just three days before its first game as 10 players and one technical staff member tested positive for the virus.
The rest of the tournament will continue as planned with the remaining 25 teams staying in the MLS bubble at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort. It’s hard to imagine everyone else involved won’t be even more diligent in following the safety protocols set forward by the league as a result of the FC Dallas news on Monday, and news that Nashville has positive cases as well.
While COVID-19 will dominate the news cycle all month, the underlying storylines of the MLS is Back Tournament are just as compelling, if not more so.
Beginning Wednesday, MLS will become the first major American team sports league to resume its season after it was suspended back on March 12. Most of the 36 group play matches between July 8 and July 23 will be played at night and broadcast on ESPN, FOX or FS1 with virtually no other live sports to compete with for viewers.
