Florida governor Ron DeSantis says any professional team wanting to resume activity is welcome to do so in the Sunshine State.
"All professional sports are welcome here for practicing and for playing," DeSantis said at a news conference Wednesday in Tallahassee, according to ESPN. "What I would tell commissioners of leagues is, if you have a team in an area where they just won't let them operate, we'll find a place for you here in the state of Florida."
Florida had previously included World Wrestling Entertainment as an “essential service,” which allowed the league to continue performing.
The Miami Heat reopened team facilities on Wednesday for players to undergo voluntary, individual workouts. ESPN reports that 12 players went in for voluntary, socially distanced workouts.
DeSantis’ announcement follows a similar invitation from Arizona governor Doug Ducey, who on Monday opened the door to pro sports by saying that the MLB, NBA, NHL and NFL can resume without fans as early as Saturday.
For his part, Desantis acknowledged that Florida residents are ready for sports to return.
"Our people are starved to have some of this back in our lives," he said. "I think we can certainly do it in a way that's safe."
