California Gov. Gavin Newsom said professional sports have the power to lift the nationa s spirits and unite people living in isolation, but he does not believe major sporting events will return any time soon. Newsom offered a regretful response during his daily news conference Thursday when asked if the Sport games will go on as the state eases COVID-19 restrictions in the months ahead. Newsom said he does not envision large-scale, live-audience sporting events until a vaccine is available, and that is unlikely to happen for a minimum of 12 to 18 months, according to medical experts.