Dolphins owner: 'Definitely' will be NFL season, but possibly without fans

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As a number of sports worldwide begin planning their return amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Stephen Ross is confident the virus won't cancel the upcoming NFL campaign.

Appearing on CNBC on Tuesday morning, the Miami Dolphins owner reassured fans there "definitely will be a football season this year" before saying the "real question is will there be fans in the stadium," according to ESPN's Cameron Wolfe.

Ross added his team is currently planning to host fans at Hard Rock Stadium but a decision has yet to be finalized.

Earlier this month, Miami became the first squad to reveal strategies regarding its plans to host fans during the pandemic, which included mock-ups of new stadium entrance points that would help the team comply with social distance guidelines.

Teams were given the green light to reopen their facilities beginning May 19 if they're permitted to do so in their respective states. The league is working with the NFLPA on protocols that will allow for a certain number of players to return to facilities as early as June.

Despite the pandemic, the NFL plans to begin its regular season on time. While the league hopes to have fans in attendance, the need for physical distancing could limit the number of spectators allowed in stadiums.