NFL plans on playing full season, will release schedule by May 9

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The NFL said Tuesday it plans on playing a full 2020 season despite ongoing concerns regarding the coronavirus pandemic.

"Our planning, our expectation, is fully directed at playing a full season starting on schedule and having a full regular season and a full set of playoffs," said league executive Jeff Pash, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.

"... Am I certain? I'm not certain that I'll be here tomorrow," he added. "But I'm planning on it."

Asked if the NFL is working on scenarios for a potentially shortened or delayed campaign, Pash said "all" of the league's focus is on playing a normal season starting on time and in front of fans, according to Albert Breer of MMQB.

The league also announced the schedule for the upcoming season will be released no later than May 9.

Additionally, the international series is expected to go ahead in 2020, Pash adds. Three games are scheduled to be played in London - one at Wembley and two at Tottenham Hotspur's new stadium - while a fourth is planned for Mexico City.

Last week, the NFL announced it's proceeding as planned with the 2020 draft while other in-season major sports have been suspended due to COVID-19.

All team facilities have been ordered to be closed until at least April 8.

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