The NBA has officially initiated conversations with the Walt Disney Corporation about the potential of resuming the 2019-20 season at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, per ESPN's Ramona Shelburne.
The NBA has entered into exploratory conversations with the Walt Disney Corporation about restarting the remainder of its season at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida in late July, NBA spokesperson Mike Bass said Saturday.
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) May 23, 2020
League spokesperson Mike Bass said the Wide World of Sports would be a “single site” for all 30 teams in terms of games, practices and housing (via Shelburne):
“The NBA, in conjunction with the National Basketball Players Association, is engaged in exploratory conversations with The Walt Disney Company about restarting the 2019-20 NBA season in late July at Disney's ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Florida as a single site for an NBA campus for games, practices and housing, Bass said. “Our priority continues to be the health and safety of all involved, and we are working with public health experts and government officials on a comprehensive set of guidelines to ensure that appropriate medical protocols and protections are in place.”
It was reported just a few days ago the NBA was seriously considering Disney World as a location of particular interest for resuming the season in one central location.
Bass essentially confirmed the league is taking the first step toward the resumption of play amid the coronavirus pandemic. Play was first suspended on March 11.
This statement also comes shortly after Shams Charania of The Athletic reported the league sent a survey to all 30 general managers in terms of establishing “competition formats.” Among these formats was an option for expanded playoffs, as well as advancing directly into postseason play.
While basketball fans have been robbed of NBA action the last two months, a return to the hardwood certainly appears to be gaining steam.
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