After rumors circulated over the last few weeks, it appears that NBA brass is nearing a decision re-opening.
Per uStadium, the NBA is preparing for an announcing of the location which appears to be Disney resorts in Orlando, Fla.
In case that report isn’t enough, Walt Disney appears to be confident that they will host the league in some capacity, per Kevin Smith:
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
It’s also worth noting that Disney has reportedly already started preparations in anticipation of the league’s arrival.
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
Shams Charania of The Athletic also reported that Disney is the most likely venue for opening with Vegas and the Bahamas also still on the table.
The NBA has Orlando/Disney World as a clear frontrunner for return-to-play site for resuming 2019-20 season, sources tell me and @sam_amick. Orlando has gained significant seriousness among other cites such as Las Vegas.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 20, 2020
The league has discussed housing players in resorts, using the nearby Orlando Magic facilities, and having teams play each other in these quarantined cities. The Disney area already has all the means for broadcasting, which is a significant advantage.
There are very few areas in the United States that can house the whole NBA, but Disney may actually fit the bill.
Whether or not the NBA uses Disney remains to be seen, but the effort of a resolution is certainly evident. The NBA has been shut down since March 5, and the league has started to consider opening facilities if things continue to improve. The league has also hosted conference calls with many current stars, including LeBron James and Chris Paul, to discuss their opinions on the seasons resuming. They both were adamant that they would want the season to continue.
Both have been through the 2011 lockout and would not like another incomplete season in their careers, as would presumably most players in the league.
It remains to be seen if the league re-opens, whether they will finish the regular season or go straight into the playoffs. The latter is more likely, but that remains up in the air.
Many other sports leagues are laying plans out for re-opening. The MLB is finishing up a plan to have them open in July, the NFL is slowly re-opening facilities over the next few weeks, and the NHL is brainstorming formats for their playoffs.
The NBA will return, its just a question of when and where.
