Whether certain sports should be returning at certain times is a topic which is regularly up for debate, but we have seen over recent weeks that many governing bodies and organisations are attempting to do everything possible to instigate the action getting back underway. The most notable news this week is the planned resumption of the Premier League, provisionally set for June 17 when Arsenal, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Sheffield United will play their games in hand before all 20 teams take to the pitch behind-closed doors later that week. However, most sports fans will not be able to wait that long to experience competitive action again, so which sports are resuming in what nations between June 1 and June 8?
As you may or may not be aware, more sports are restarting based on their respective nation's regulations, and that is the case with horse racing in the United Kingdom. In recent weeks, meetings have been held in the likes of the United States and France, and organisers in the UK are hopeful that there can be similar success with several high-profile cards planned for June. Although the meetings will be behind closed doors, it is a welcome boost for bookmakers who have been desperate to boost their cash flow.
The UFC has been back in operation for a number of weeks, and that will continue on June 6 with another fightcard at the UFC Apex Centre. A women's bout will headline the event as Amanda Nunes makes a defence of her women's featherweight title against Felicia Spencer, with the co-main event involving Cody Garbrandt as he attempts to end a three-fight losing streak. He squares off against the experienced Raphael Assuncao, who is coming off the back of two defeats in 2019.
Switching back to football and eight leagues are expected to resume in Europe between June 1 and June 8. The highest-profile league on that list is Portugal's Primeira Liga as Porto and Benfica resume their battle for the league title, and there will also be offerings from Austria, Switzerland, Greece, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovenia and Albania, if any of those whet your appetite. If they do not, you can, of course, continue to watch the Bundesliga with German football currently leading the way when it comes to football being played without a crowd. While it is not the same due to the lack of atmosphere, most viewers and punters will agree that it has been far better than expected.
With regards to American sport, decisions by the powers-that-be are being made all the time. NBA officials have been discussing a potential restart date and restructuring of the league, and it appears that fans will have to wait until July 31 at the very earliest. The NFL are still aiming to get the new campaign under way on time at a similar sort of time, but that will be dependent on how the United States continues to handle the ongoing global crisis. Tensions are said to be rising behind the scenes when it comes to Major League Baseball, however, as owners and players disagree over salary cuts and a resumption date. As it stands, early July is the target, but that is subject to change.
