Though the NBA suspended its season Wednesday, the NHL doesn't expect to have an update on its plans until Thursday.

"The National Hockey League is aware of the NBA’s decision tonight to indefinitely suspend its season due to a player testing positive for the coronavirus," the league said Wednesday in a statement. "The NHL is continuing to consult with medical experts and is evaluating the options. We expect to have a further update tomorrow."

The NBA had suspended its season because a Utah Jazz player was diagnosed with the coronavirus.

NHL and NBA teams share many arenas.

“We are in continuous contact with the NHL regarding the coronavirus and the recent announcement by the NBA," the NHL Players' Association said in a statement. "These discussions will continue tomorrow morning, and we will consult with players before commenting further.” ​

Two NHL teams – the San Jose Sharks and Columbus Blue Jackets - announced Wednesday that they would not play in front of fans because of local or state government edicts banning mass gatherings.

The NHL on Monday had banned the media and non-essential personnel from locker rooms and before that, it said league employees were barred from traveling overseas.

The NHL season is scheduled to wrap up on April 4, with playoffs due to start the following week.

The 1919 Stanley Cup wasn't awarded because of the Spanish influenza epidemic.