By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
After initially shutting down due to the coronavirus lockdown that was implemented by the French government, Jeep Elite will be resuming this weekend with just two games: Boulogne Levallois – Pau Orthez and ASVEL Villuebranne – Orleans.
L’Equipe reports that ASVEL, Boulogne and Monaco are the only clubs so far that have elected to host games and to launch some form of restart following LNB’s announcement that teams can voluntarily hold matches if they can afford to play behind closed doors.
To be exact, the general assembly of the league decided to postpone the majority of the November schedule, hoping that the games can be played later in the season with fans in the stands. However, two first division games and a second division game will be played every weekend, due to the television obligations of the LNB.
For the vast majority of French League clubs, the expenses of hosting games without fans are simply too much. “Some clubs agree to host games behind closed doors because their economic model is different. But most clubs can’t afford to lose up to 150,000 per game if there aren’t any tickets or [income from] partners,” French League president Alain Beral told L’Equipe.
ASVEL president Tony Parker previously mentioned that the team is ready to have games behind closed doors “for a month.” After this period, things may become financially problematic for his club.
Beral hopes for a boost by the government that may help the rest of the teams also organize games in closed arenas. “With twenty million euros, we could hold on for a few weeks until the eventual reopening of the arenas. But if there aren’t any concrete measures, no cushion, we won’t longer be able to play. Even the clubs that accepted it today.”