It’s official, folks! The NBA is coming to Disney World!
NBA Experience
While we’ve already found out where the teams will likely be housed on Disney property and what amenities they should be able to experience, there have still been some discussions over what the safest ways to conduct the NBA’s season are currently.
According to the ESPN, the NBA will still be holding its season in Walt Disney World, despite the recently expressed concerns from the association. Since Florida has had a skyrocketing number of cases recently, NBA officials have worried about bringing the 22 teams to Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports.
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
However, NBA commissioner Adam Silver expressed his confidence in the “NBA’s bubble concept” during a virtual meeting with the players and officials. During this meeting, there were concerns expressed about how the hotel housekeepers and custodians may not have to undergo COVID-19 testing, even though they will be in the areas NBA players will be staying on Disney property.
Bob Iger and Adam Silver ©Disney
NBA spokesman Mike Bass has also stated that they are “closely monitoring the data in Florida and Orange County and will continue to work collaboratively with the National Basketball Players Association, public health officials and medical experts regarding our plans.”
NBA Experience
The league recently sent out a detailed guide about what precautions would be taken, including specific staff at NBA hotels, once-a-week room housekeeping without the players and staff present, the use of personal protective equipment and distancing measures from the Disney Cast Members, and non-Disney team bus drivers who will be subjected to testing.
Gran Destino at Disney’s Coronado Springs
NBPA executive director Michele Roberts has also noted “that access to the campus is severely limited” and that they will implement more health and safety measures and restrictions if they are deemed necessary. The NBA teams will begin playing their season at the ESPN Wide World of Sports on July 31st. Since this is an evolving situation, we will continue to keep you updated!
What will the NBA players do when they’re not in a game? Take a look at all the Disney Resort features they’ll be able to use soon!
Will you be watching the NBA season when it airs soon? Let us know in the comments below!