Reports: Disney World ‘Clear Frontrunner’ For NBA Return To Play Site
May 20, 2020, 10:28 AM | Updated: 10:43 am
(Photo by Todd Anderson / Disney via Getty Images)
Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida is seen amongst league officials as the most likely destination for the remainder of the 2019-20 season
Could the NBA be inching closer to a summer return?
It has been just over two months since the NBA season was brought to a halt due to the COVID-19 outbreak that has ravaged the globe. Uncertainty has surrounded the continuance of the NBA season, but it appears there is a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.
Per reports from Shams Charania and Sam Amick of The Athletic, Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida has emerged as a frontrunner for a return-to-play site for the continuation of the 2019-20 NBA season.
Several sites have been pitched in recent weeks, with rumors of games being played in Las Vegas, Houston, Orlando or home stadiums surfacing in various reports.
It appears the NBA has its preference, with today’s news of the Walt Disney World Resort site gaining momentum.
Keith Smith of Yahoo! Sports shared that sources close to Disney World have said confidence is growing towards NBA basketball being hosted in some fashion at the resort.
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. Finishing the season at Disney isn’t a done deal. But the fact that it is a private property and controlling access can be done far easier than other proposed sites is something we consider to be heavily in Disney’s favor. That’s very important.
@KeithSmithNBA
Smith went on to report that housing is being prepared for NBA players and personnel:
As the story continues to develop, be sure to check in for all of your news on the return of NBA basketball right here at Sports 1140 KHTK.