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Sports fans across the world, most notably MLB fans, may find themselves having something to cheer about soon. Per several reports, Major League Baseball is actively exploring scenarios to kick-off their regular season and play games with no fans in Phoenix, AZ and the surrounding area.

The league is targeting May to begin play, which would be welcomed news for fans and sports bettors throughout the country, particularly fans in Colorado as May is the month that Colorado sports betting begins. Due to the ongoing pandemic, sports bettors have very few sports leagues to bet on at the moment and fans are left with no sports on TV.

If the MLB were to execute this plan, they would be limiting games to players, coaches, staff, and essential personnel. Additionally, all players and personnel would be living in quarantine at select local hotels and only allowed to travel to and from their game sites.

The Phoenix, AZ area is home to several spring training facilities as well as Chase Field, the home stadium for the Arizona Diamondbacks. The already established infrastructure along with the climate makes the Phoenix area a good choice to resume play.

According to the MLB’s official statement, they have been “actively considering numerous contingency plans that would allow play to commence once the public health situation has improved to the point that it is safe to do so”. Also, it’s been reported that their proposed plan has been supposedly well-received among health officials provided they are able to enforce strict isolation and social distancing policies.

Moving the season to just one market does have a few consequences. First, the health and safety of the players would be at risk given the ongoing coronavirus concerns. And second, each club would stand to lose out on ticket sales and stadium revenue such as concessions and merchandise.

The league is likely betting on the fact that they will be the first major sports league to resume and a TV deal to broadcast the Arizona-based games would likely help offset potential losses for each club.

Furthermore, they are considering the option of utilizing an electronic strike zone and moving dugouts to the empty seats in the stands in order to foster social distancing on and around the playing field.

Time will tell if the MLB, owners, players, and public officials can get on the same page about the 2020 season. There have also been discussions on a re-alignment of leagues. If they are able to start the season, there’s certainly a giant demand for live sports right now and they would be the first to tap into it.