Coronavirus: US President Donald Trump hopes American sport can return 'soon with fans'

Among those on a call with Trump on Saturday were the commissioners of the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB and MLS, represented by Roger Goodell, Adam Silver, Gary Bettman, Rob Manfred, and Don Garber, respectively.

At a White House briefing after the call, Trump said: "I want fans back in the arenas. Whenever we are ready. As soon as we can, obviously.

"The fans want to be back. They want to see basketball and baseball and football and hockey. They want to see their sports.

"They want to go out onto the golf courses and breathe nice, clean, beautiful fresh air."

The NBA and NHL seasons were suspended in March, while the MLB and MLS have delayed the start of their seasons due to the coronavirus.