Last Week around the Leagues

by Fran Stuchbury
March 24, 2020 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)

This past week more leagues either delayed or cancelled their seasons due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The Big3 announced plans to have a reality show-style three-on-three tournament in April or May and the Premier Lacrosse League held its entry draft. Highlights from this week are from the XFL, Indoor Football League, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, National Lacrosse League and National Women's Soccer League.

FOOTBALL

XFL

The COVID-19 pandemic, and the most recent local and state regulations, have left the XFL no choice but to officially cancel the remainder of the 2020 season. This decision has been made with the health and safety of the entire XFL family as our top priority.

2020 XFL season recap

Indoor Football League

The IFL's Fred Shaffer and Commissioner Tryon discuss the future of the Indoor Football League amidst the outbreak of COVID-19.

They hit on points such as what teams are doing to support their local markets, the development of talent across the league and the league's intention to still play the 2020 season. Watch it all here.

BASKETBALL

NBA G League

The DeVos Family, owners of the Orlando Magic, has funded a $2 million compensation fund for Orlando Magic, Amway Center, Lakeland Magic and Orlando Solar Bears hourly workers for games and time missed during the COVID-19 suspension of seasons. Magic players have also approached the organization and will provide additional financial assistance.

BIG3

As first reported by Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports, we are set to launch a quarantined, reality show-style three-on-three tournament in April or May to help curb the nation's appetite for basketball in the aftermath of the coronavirus sports hiatus.

Women's National Basketball Association

The 1999 Indiana Miss Basketball recipient from Connersville, Indiana, April (McDivitt) Schilling, has been named an assistant coach with the Indiana Fever. The WNBA veteran played for the New York Liberty, Minnesota Lynx and Washington Mystics during her career.

HOCKEY

American Hockey League

The American Hockey League has advised its clubs that the indefinite suspension of AHL play will not be lifted before May.

Federal Prospects Hockey League

The Federal Prospects Hockey League and its Board of Governors have voted that the 2019-20 season will be cancelled effective immediately.

North American Hockey League

The North American Hockey League (NAHL) has announced that the current 2019-20 season, including the 2020 NAHL Robertson Cup Playoffs and Championship, have all been canceled due to the International medical emergency caused by COVID-19 and pandemic.

Quebec Major Junior Hockey League

The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League announced that all the remaining games of the 2019-20 schedule have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The regular season was scheduled to end on March 21, 2020.

Moncton Wildcats captain and Calgary Flames prospect Jakob Pelletier found the back of the net 32 times this season. Here are some of his nicest goals.

Ontario Hockey League

Ontario Hockey League Commissioner David Branch announced the conclusion of the 2019-20 OHL Regular Season.

United States Hockey League

The USHL announced its decision to cancel the rest of the 2019-20 season after initial postponement on March 12. The decision was unanimously made by the USHL Board of Directors with the best interest of USHL athletes, staff, officials and fans in mind.

LACROSSE

National Lacrosse League

While we are postponed, we are launching a new interview series. Check out In Transition. In our first interview with the Philadelphia Wings players, learn how Trevor Baptiste, Blaze Riorden, and Matt Rambo are taking it to the streets (and stairs) to stay fit and sending snaps and chats to stay connected.

Premier Lacrosse League

The Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) has announced the results of its 2020 Entry Draft.

SOCCER

Major League Soccer

In accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's guidance to postpone events involving more than 50 people over the next eight weeks, Major League Soccer has extended the postponement of its matches during this period of time.

United Soccer League Championship

The United Soccer League announced following approval from the USL Championship's Board of Governors, that the previously announced 30-day temporary suspension of play in the Championship will be extended to align with recent guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on restricting public gatherings of 50 or more people through Sunday, May 10th.

National Women's Soccer League

OL Reign announced that it has signed Costa Rican international midfielder Shirley Cruz for the 2020 NWSL season. Cruz, 34, has extensive playing experience under first-year head coach Farid Benstiti.

NWSL Players Messages To Fans

OTHER SPORTS

Major League Rugby

Major League Rugby (MLR) announced that all remaining 2020 matches are cancelled as a result of the COVID-19 global crisis and the health and safety guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Did we miss anything newsworthy or downright fun? Have a nomination for next week's column? Contact us today and let us know.

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• Last Week around the Leagues - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer(s), and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.