The new coronavirus is spreading in the U.S. and the country's sports leagues are not immune to it. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, the NBA has already asked its 30 teams to prepare for playing games behind closed doors in the future.

"Sources: The NBA has sent a memo to its franchises explaining that, due to coronavirus outbreak, teams should be preparing to play games without fans in attendance and identifying 'essential staff' present for these games – should it be necessary," posted Charania on Twitter.

This was not the first notification the NBA had sent to the teams over the viral outbreak. Previously, the league encouraged players to avoid "high-fiving and offer fist bumps" when they are interacting with fans. Players were also advised to "avoid taking items (pens, markers, balls, jerseys, etc.) from fans to sign autographs."

C.J. McCollum of the Portland trail Blazers announced on Twitter that he is "officially taking a break from signing autographs until further notice."

The league also made it clear that any player who gets infected will be quarantined for 14 days. However, if any COVID-19 case is indeed confirmed, it's very likely that the infected player will take the rest of the team with him. The worst scenario could be the league suspending games, just like the CBA in China did.

LeBron James has said he will not play any game in an empty arena.

"We play games without the fans? Nah, it's impossible. I ain't playing. I ain't got the fans in the crowd. That's who I play for. I play for my teammates. I play for the fans. That's what it's all about. If I show up to an arena and there are no fans in there, I ain't playing. They can do what they want to do," said James.