Nothing is definite yet as to when and where will the National Basketball Association (NBA) resume play, and the problem is how to contain the teams in one area to limit travel and exposure to coronavirus disease 2019.
The NBA has come up with the idea of a “bubble city” in order to quarantine all the 30 teams (16 if they decide to go right into the playoffs), and several sites had been considered like Las Vegas, the Bahamas, Atlantic City in New Jersey, and Los Angeles. However, one was just simply top of the chain – Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
Sitting on a 39-square mile property, the resort has the facilities, including multiple courts, which the NBA requires. Aside from almost 5000 available rooms, swimming pools and food and beverage outlets, there are also theme parks and rides for players and staff to enjoy during their downtime.
Broadcasting games, on the other hand, will never be a problem. ESPN and ABC have direct partnerships with the NBA, and both companies are owned by Disney. Because of the existing infrastructure of the resort, there will be ample space for interview rooms. Disney hotels are equipped to be configured for easy access in filming.
The ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex is within the vicinity of the hotels, so it will make sense for it to serve as the main hub of all basketball activities. Probably two to four games will be played at a time for the NBA to maximize its schedules. There will also be a need for practice gyms for teams not scheduled to play, and the area can provide these requirements.
Within the complex are three stadiums – the HP Field House, the Visa Center and The Arena. All are broadcast-ready. The Visa center and The Arena can be reconfigured to fit at least twelve basketball courts. Facilities of the Orlando Magic are nearby and can also be used by the league.
As an added boost to the NBA, Florida governor Ron DeSantis, who declared that live professional sports are essential services, signed an executive order allowing the league to return to operations provided it remains closed to the public and with only the needed personnel present.
Considering everything, the Magic Kingdom is the most logical venue if and when the NBA decides to resume play./PN
