Walt Disney World's ESPN Wide World of Sports is looking increasingly likely to host the remainder of the 2019-2020 NBA season following the suspension of the season in mid March.
Disney confirmed over the weekend that the company is in talks with the NBA, with an anticipated start in late July.
In addition to Disney's statement, on Monday during a show on ESPN, former player Charles Barkley said, "I do know this, talking to my bosses at Turner we're going to play basketball. It's gonna be in Florida and (Las) Vegas, or just Florida."
Wide World of Sports would provide a single site NBA campus for games and practice. Walt Disney World Resort hotels would serve as housing for the players during the season. Interestingly, Disney's Coronado Springs suddenly has no availability for reservations in July and August 2020. The resort's sprawling layout and self contained amenities would seem to make an ideal base for the players.
Disney and the NBA have a close relationship, with Disney owned ESPN being the league's major media partner, and Disney Springs being home to the NBA Experience. In particular, Bob Iger and NBA commissioner Adam Silver appear to have a very cooperative relationship.
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