June of 2020 was a scary time – COVID-19 was still new and unknown. The deadly virus had put a stop to all professional sports in the US. The NBA had it’s season stopped shortly before the playoffs, MLS just play just a few games, and the NWSL had just started preseason before the country went into lockdown.
Several leagues were rumored to be spinning up tournaments in order to have games in a controlled environment. The NBA and MLS both played in Orlando, with the NBA concluding their season then conducting the playoffs. Major League Soccer played the creatively named MLS Is Back Tournament.