A group of New Orleans Pelicans executives and government officials put together a “strong bid” to host the remainder of the 2019-20 NBA season in an effort to save the city's economy and tourism, according to Christopher Dodson of Forbes.

On June 4, the NBA’s board of governors approved a plan to resume the 2019-20 season at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. The Pelicans will be among the 22 teams partaking in the “bubble” games.

According to a source with the team not allowed to discuss the failed bid, it was a “bid to help save our tourism and promote that New Orleans was back and ready for business.”

In response to the report from Forbes, the NBA confirmed that the city of New Orleans did attempt to host the “bubble” games.

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NBA executive vice president Kelly Flatow spoke to Christian Clark of Nola.com about it. Clark reported that “New Orleans was never seriously considered to host the NBA’s restart.”

“New Orleans has a rich history of hosting world-class sports and entertainment events — including NBA All-Star Games in 2008, 2014 and 2017,” Flatow said.

“The New Orleans Pelicans and the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation collaborated to propose a safe and healthy environment for the NBA’s return to play. We’re appreciative of their leadership and support.”

Once the “bubble” games start on July 30, the Pelicans will be battling it out with the Memphis Grizzlies, San Antonio Spurs, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. The winner will face the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the 2020 playoffs.

Before the season was suspended in March, the Pelicans racked up 28 wins and 36 losses. They are in 10th place in the West.