ANKARA 

The owner of an NBA franchise tested positive for the novel coronavirus, the U.S. basketball association said late Saturday.

NBA said on its website that James Dolan -- Eastern Conference team New York Knicks owner -- contracted COVID-19 as the 64-year-old businessman tested positive for the coronavirus.

The New York City-based Madison Square Garden Company (MSG) CEO has been in "self-isolation" as he had mild symptoms.

The death toll from the new coronavirus in the U.S. pushed past 2,000 on Saturday, according to data by Johns Hopkins University.

At least 2,191 people have died and the number of infections rose to 124,686 as 2,612 have recovered.

Most deaths were reported in New York state that had 725, with New York City the epicenter where 672 deaths have been recorded.

The first U.S. death was Feb. 29 in Washington state. A total of 136 people have died there, followed by New Jersey with 86.

Data compiled by the Johns Hopkins University shows worldwide infections over 666,000 mark with over 30,800 deaths. More than 141,700 have recovered from infections.

After first appearing in Wuhan, China in December, the virus has spread to 177 countries and regions.