Players in the German Basketball Bundesliga (BBL) have been asked to wear a chip monitoring their movements as part of a safety protocol to restart their season.

The league is isolating its players, coaches, and referees as they begin a three-week tournament featuring 10 teams and 36 games.

NBA teams and officials are reportedly monitoring the tournament as it could inform how they resume their season on July 31st.

BBL Commissioner Stefan Holz said that the movement chips are not required by the league.

"It is voluntary. It is optional. It is to trace contacts. If there is one positive test within the group, the whole group could be in danger. It could be the end of the tournament," said Holz.

Doctors will have access to the tracking data only if there is a positive case of COVID-19, according to a memo. 

Player movements will only be tracked in the hotel, and not during games or trips outside the hotel.