Zion Williamson, the New Orleans Pelicans’ star rookie, has promised to pay the salaries of all Smoothie King Center workers for 30 days while the NBA temporarily shuts down in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
Williamson’s pledge came two days after the NBA announced it would suspend the season to limit the spread of the coronavirus. Other professional sports, including hockey, soccer, baseball, and tennis, have announced similar actions.
The suspensions have come as health officials urge the public not to attend large gatherings to help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, but it’s also raised questions and concerns about hourly employees who work at the large arenas that must now close.
Some NBA stars and team owners have since stepped up and vouched to cover, in full or in part, sport arena employees’ pay despite the shutdown. But Williamson’s pledge to cover all employee salaries for 30 days appeared to be the largest so far.
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