With the NBA inside a timetable to make a decision on the resumption of its season, and needing to lay down initial plans soon-ish if they’re going to be able to work out all the details after that, we’ve been tentatively on high alert for some news.
And today, it arrives in the form of Mickey Mouse with the scoop:
Walt Disney World has begun the early stages of re-working some of their hotel spaces for housing the NBA and their needs. The Wide World of Sports Complex has also had some work done in anticipation of hosting the NBA and possibly MLS, per Disney sources.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) May 20, 2020
Sources from Walt Disney World tell me: "We are confident we'll be hosting the NBA in some fashion. It may not be the entire league, but we believe the NBA will be here to at least finish part of their season. Still hurdles to cross, but we are preparing as if that is the case."
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) May 20, 2020
The NBA has long been looking at a “bubble” concept for the resumption of its season, with players coming to a single location to finish out the regular season, and then the postseason can be figured out from there. Las Vegas was the other location reportedly under consideration for the bubble, and it’s possible there will be two locations when all is said and done.
But, simultaneous reports, with Smith’s, are pointing toward Orlando:
Reporting with @ShamsCharania: Sources say the NBA has Orlando/Disney World as a clear frontrunner for return-to-play site for resuming 2019-20 season. All the momentum is heading their way.https://t.co/hDbJ9JxDWo
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) May 20, 2020
Stay tuned.