Report: NBA to Return to Play ...in Orlando | Sports Destination Management

Report: NBA to Return to Play ...in Orlando

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May 22, 2020
Las Vegas Also Said to be a Possibility

Orlando’s Walt Disney World has reportedly emerged as a front-runner to host NBA games if the 2019-20 season resumes this summer.

The Athletic reported Orlando has “gained significant seriousness” among cities considered, which also include Las Vegas. Disney World has been attractive to the NBA because it is private property that also has the facilities necessary to host the games and league personnel/players.

“We are confident we’ll be hosting the NBA in some fashion,” a Disney source told The Atlantic. “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.”

The league is mulling having teams hold training camps at their practice facilities before heading off to game sites to resume the season.

Las Vegas and Orlando have also been considered as top sites for hosting the 2020 playoffs, which commissioner Adam Silver believes would still include a seven-game series in every round.

The NBA has been suspended since March 11 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Silver recently took part in a league-wide call with the NBPA and reportedly told players that games are expected to be played without fans if the season resumes.

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