According to ESPN's memo, the NBA informed teams that any personnel working within 15 feet of referees or players during games will need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Although the directive applies to coaches, trainers and front-office staff members, it does not require all players to be vaccinated. Negotiations with the National Basketball Players Association are ongoing regarding leaguewide vaccination.
According to the memo, the NBA has established an Oct. 1 deadline to ensure that all team personnel are fully vaccinated. However, it left open the possibility of a booster shot being required at a later time.
All personnel working near the court are subject to this mandate, including broadcasters and scoreboard operators, photographers, security personnel, and security personnel. All back-of-house personnel, such as locker room attendants, medical staff and equipment managers, are required.
It is believed that the NBA was the first major league to require widespread vaccination.
