NBA returning to normal bench seating this season / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports Credit Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

The NBA will return to its normal bench arrangement for the upcoming 2021-22 season, The Athletic reported Wednesday.

Players coming off the court will no longer be required to sit in a cool-down area, per the report. The moves signal an end to some of the COVID-19 protocols that were instituted the past two seasons during the pandemic.

Game day personnel, however, will still be required to wear masks at the outset.

Fans sitting within 15 feet of the court will need to be fully vaccinated or return a negative COVID-19 test prior to the game, per the report.

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