The NBA and its teams are continuing to trend towards stricter mask and COVID-19 vaccination policies. The latest team is the Memphis Grizzlies, who stated unvaccinated fans ages 12 years and older must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test at least 72 hours before attending games.  

The statement by the Grizzlies came on the heels of Shelby County health directive in Memphis continuing its mask mandate.   

Related: Kyrie Irving Leads NBA Media Day Biggest Question: Are You Vaccinated?  

The mask mandate, proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test will affect the Grizzlies and those who attend the University of Memphis Tigers basketball games. Vaccinated fans must present proof of at least one dose for entry.  

The mandate follows local governments in New York, San Francisco and Brooklyn who said any unvaccinated person over the age of 12 wouldn’t be allowed to enter “certain covered premises” inside their respective cities. Covered premises would include the Barclays Center, Madison Square Garden and the Chase Center, home of the Nets, Knicks and Warriors, respectively.   

Related: Kareem: Unvaccinated Players, Staff Should Be Removed From Team  

At the FedEx Forum in Memphis, children between the ages of 2-11 are required to wear a mask and show proof of a negative COVID-19 test if they have courtside seats at Grizzlies games. Children under the age of 2 will not have to wear a mask.  

“Fans can get back to a mask-less environment inside FedExForum with the confidence that everyone in attendance is either vaccinated or has shown proof of a negative test,” said Grizzlies President Jason Wexler.   

Memphis Grizzlies star point guard shared his feelings about vaccination and mandates during NBA Media Day. 

“For me, I’m vaccinated,” Morant said to reporters. “I know a lot of people who got sick and died. You know I have a baby girl. I travel a lot. Can’t bring COVID back to her.”