It’s been nearly two months since the entire sports world went on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic. Even as cases and deaths continue to rise, sports fans may be in luck as the light at the end of the tunnel might be closer than we originally thought. According to ESPN, we now know that almost every major sports league in the world is currently working on a reopening process that could be put into action in the next month or two. 

About a week ago, multiple sources reported that the White House held a call with all the major sports leagues across the country. Seema Verma, a member of the White House coronavirus task force and administrator for the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services, was the host and offered advice and guidance towards how the reopening process could move as quickly and safely as possible. Verma also updated league medical officials on the latest testing available and encouraged them to follow guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

But not all news from the government officials has been as positive and promising. Leading public health expert on President Trump’s coronavirus task force, Dr. Anthony Fauci, said last week that he thought it would be very difficult for major sports in the United States to return to action this year.

“Safety, for the players and for the fans, trumps everything,” he said. “If you can’t guarantee safety, then, unfortunately, you’re going to have to bite the bullet and say, ‘We may have to go without this sport for this season.’”

A key variable, Dr. Fauci said in an interview on Tuesday, will be whether the country can gain broad access to testing that quickly yields results. He said that manufacturers had made strides in developing such tests, but not enough for major sports competitions to resume.

The other key role in this process is what each state government decides is safe. So far, Florida’s state governor, Ron DeSantis, and Arizona’s state governor, Doug Ducey have publicly stated that all professional sports could resume, but without fans, and in line with all CDC procedures. 

This move is not being celebrated by most, however, as most states have taken a more serious approach towards combating the virus. New York mayor, Andrew Cuomo, has publicly stated that he would like to see sports resume soon but doesn’t see the point as no fans would be allowed to come to any games.