On Saturday afternoon, President Donald Trump held a call with the commissioners of the major U.S. sports leagues, discussing the response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, Trump said on the call that he believes the NFL season should start on time in September.

Schefter also reports that Trump said that he hopes to have fans back in stadiums and arenas by August and September, though it's unclear if medical experts have found that to be a realistic timeline.

Meanwhile, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver reportedly told Trump that since the pro sports leagues were among the first to shut down, he would love for them to lead the way in helping boost the economy once an "all clear" is given by public health officials.

According to Schefter, Trump also raised the idea of the leagues working together to lobby for tax credits that used to exist for fans, such as the ability to deduct concessions and tickets from taxes, which would be a way for fans to have easier access to attend games in a rebuilding economy.

"I just spoke with the commissioners, leaders, I would say virtually all of the sports leagues. ... They want to get back," Trump then said during his daily coronavirus briefing. "They've got to get back. They can't do this. Their sports weren't designed for it. The whole concept of our nation wasn't designed for it. We're going to have to get back. We want to get back soon -- very soon."

"Absolutely, I want fans back in the arena," Trump also said. "Whenever we're ready. As soon as we can, obviously. And the fans want to be back, too. ... I can't tell you a date, but I think it's going to be sooner rather than later."

Trump then said that he wasn't committing to having fans back in arenas by August, saying "We're going to see where we are. But that would be great, if we could."

Meanwhile, California Governor Gavin Newsom said that he doesn't agree that the NFL will start in September, at least not in the state of California.

"Right now I'm just focusing on the immediate, but that is not something I anticipate happening in the next few months," Newsom said.

People on the call included the following commissioners and presidents:

Gary Bettman, Commissioner of the National Hockey League
Cathy Engelbert, Commissioner of the Women's National Basketball Association
Don Garber, Commissioner of Major League Soccer
Roger Goodell, Commissioner of the National Football League
Rob Manfred, Commissioner of Major League Baseball
Vince McMahon, President of the WWE
Jay Monahan, Commissioner of the PGA Tour
Adam Silver, Commissioner of the National Basketball Association
Dana White, Ultimate Fighting Championship
Roger Penske, IndyCar
Michael Whan, Commissioner of the LPGA Tour
Vince McMahon, President of the WWE
Drew Fleming, President of the Breeders Cup

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