Wizards announce there will be no fans to start the 2020-21 NBA season

On Tuesday, the Washington Wizards announced in an email to season ticket holders that home games will be played without fans to start at the start of the 2020-21 NBA season. The team is hopeful that fans could be brought in at some point later in the season.

This is not a surprise given that coronavirus cases are rising nationwide, including in the D.C. area. In the days and weeks ahead, we can expect to see more hospitalizations, and eventually, deaths.

The Wizards have suspended ticket payments for season ticket holders, unless the ticket holders ask them to keep charges going. Season ticket holders will also have some extra perks like:

• Keeping their seat location for the 2021-22 season
• Getting a 3 percent credit to be applied to their 2021-22 season tickets based on the amount of payments that are already made to their 2020-21 ticket payments.
• Any ticket payments already made for the 2020-21 season can also be used to pay for single game tickets this season or for the 2020-21 NBA Playoffs if the Wizards make the postseason, and if fans are allowed to attend games.

As a season ticket holder, I went ahead and asked the Wizards to keep my monthly charges going since I’m almost done paying for the tickets anyway. But make sure you do what is best based on your personal situations.

The letter from the Wizards to fans is below. I took out personally identifiable details:

Dear [WIZARDS FAN],

Last week, the NBA released the first half of the 2020-21 regular season schedule, with the Wizards set to tip-off December 23 on the road against the Philadelphia 76ers. While there are still many details to work through, our Wizards team is excited to get back on the court and compete. We have so much to look forward to this season with the addition of Russell Westbrook and first round draft pick Deni Avdija playing alongside Bradley Beal and the young Wizards core, and we cannot wait to experience it all with our DC 12 Club members.

Since the early days of the pandemic, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to do everything within our power to welcome guests back to Capital One Arena as soon as safely possible, and in a manner that prioritizes the health and safety of our fans, our players, and our employees. We are so very thankful for the outpouring of support from our DC 12 Club members for our staff, our players, and our organization throughout these difficult times. Even from a distance, our Season Ticket Members truly remain the lifeblood of our organization.

We continue to work diligently with local health officials and the DC government to identify any and all protocols that would facilitate a safe return to live events as soon as practically possible. These efforts remain a priority for our organization and for The District’s leadership. At this time, while we remain very optimistic about the potential to host fans at Wizards games at some point during the 2020-21 season, we must begin the season without our loyal fans in attendance.

While we are unable to commit to any specific ticket plans or seat locations at this time, DC 12 Club members will receive priority access to purchase all available ticket products when the time comes that we may begin to invite fans back into Capital One Arena. More information regarding available ticket products will be communicated at that time.

Your season ticket seat location will remain on your account and eligible for renewal for the 2021-22 season, and your membership tenure will remain intact. All scheduled automatic payments will be deferred until further notice. Any funds currently on your account will remain there as a credit for future ticket purchases, including the purchase of any available ticket products for the 2020-21 season and the 2021 NBA Playoffs. Any funds remaining on your account at the conclusion of the 2020-21 season will automatically roll over to the 2021-22 season as a credit toward your renewal. No action is required on your part.

We know the last several months have been filled with ever-changing circumstances. As a thank you for your loyalty, the Wizards will apply a bonus credit to your account equal to 3% of the total value of cash payments paid to date toward your 2020-21 membership. This bonus credit will be applied directly to the cost of your 2021-22 DC 12 Club membership. Additionally, DC 12 Club members who retain credit on their Wizards account will receive the 2020-21 member gift, an exclusive Wizards-branded Nike quarter zip, as well as invitations to unique members-only virtual events until we can safely return to hosting you again at Capital One Arena!

Should you have any questions, please visit our DC 12 Club FAQ page, or contact your Wizards representative. If a credit is not the best option for you, you may also request a refund by contacting your Wizards representative directly.

It is our sincere hope to welcome DC 12 Club members back to Capital One Arena to #RepTheDistrict and celebrate together as soon as safely possible. In the meantime, we will continue to strive to provide you with the exceptional service and membership experience you deserve. As always, thank you for your continued support, and Go Wizards!