The dark period between the end of the NBA Finals and the kickoff of the NFL preseason is pretty brutal. Sure, baseball is going on, but I’m not forking out $129 to watch two months of games here in Thailand. There is also the never-ending MLS season isn’t worth the investment.
We’ve talked about the unique state of television abroad in the past. The dark period of sports forces you to find some really random stuff to fill the void. These are sport events you’re probably aware of but never had to bother with in the states.
However, none of these summer sports will get a chance to shine this year. COVID-19 caused the NBA and NHL to push back their seasons while many of these smaller events have already been canceled, delayed or reformatted this year. It’s kind of sad in a way. So, let’s pour one out for them.
See more: Does this basketball shot go in?
Summer sports we’ll miss in 2020
The Basketball Tournament
Unlike the other events on this list, The Basketball Tournament (TBT) is actually happening. A scaled down version of the event is taking place over ten days starting on July 4. Only 24 teams will be participating this time around (down from 64) and all the games are being played in Columbus, Ohio. It’s hard to get excited by this when the NBA is just around the corner.
What makes the TBT unique, apart from the awesome Elam Ending, is the fact that it is something besides MLB or MLS to watch in late July. It is a good, three weekends worth of basketball. The games aren’t great, but usually entertaining enough thanks to the aforementioned Elam Ending. The condensed version will probably be fine, but this year’s TBT just doesn’t excite me like the traditional format.
Arena Football
When I was a kid, arena football was kind of a big deal. It was never massively popular, but you knew the teams and watched some games from time-to-time. The league even had a pretty sweet PS2 game. But something happened and now arena football is a total afterthought. It’s has been split up into these small, regional leagues you’ve probably never heard of.
The thing is, the games are still interesting enough to watch. And most leagues have them live on YouTube for free. It’s a shame neither the Champions Indoor Football league, National Arena League, Indoor Football League or any of the other organizations will have games in 2020. Those games are certainly a better watch than any July matchup between the Kansas City Royals and Tampa Bay Rays.
Drag Racing
There is no way in hell I’m watching drag racing this year with NBA and NHL games being played. Personally, drag racing is where I draw the line for watchable summer sports. On the outside looking in is the WNBA and Major League Lacrosse.
If I’m being honest, like 80 percent of the reason I can tolerate drag racing is because of the parachute that pops out of the car at the end of the run. There’s something weirdly fulfilling about seeing it. The knockout-style tournaments of drag racing adds an interesting element to the events. However, not interesting enough to get to watch if any other sport is on.
