Walt Disney World will serve as the center of the basketball universe when it hosts the NBA for the conclusion of its season. The teams will compete at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports complex, but it was unclear where the teams would stay within the Disney bubble. Now, reports have emerged breaking down where the various teams may stay and what kind of amenities will be available for the players.
We previously reported that Coronado Springs would serve as the host for at least some players, but it appears multiple Walt Disney World resorts may be used.
Sources: NBA teams Disney hotels based on seeding:
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 16, 2020
-Grand Destino: Bucks, Lakers, Raptors, Clippers, Celtics, Nuggets, Jazz, Heat
-Grand Floridian: Thunder, 76ers, Rockets, Pacers, Mavericks, Nets, Grizzlies, Magic
-Yacht Club: Blazers, Kings, Pelicans, Spurs, Suns, Wizards
The Gran Destino at Coronado Springs and the Grand Floridian may serve as the home for eight teams each, while the Yacht Club may serve as the home for six teams.
Beyond learning where the teams will stay, some light was shed on the amenities the players will be able to enjoy in Walt Disney World.
In NBA's ORL campus:
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 16, 2020
– Hotel amenities: players-only lounge (NBA 2K, TVs, gaming), pool/trails, barbers, manicurists, pedicurists
– 24-hour VIP concierge
– Daily entertainment: Movie screenings, DJ sets, video games, ping pong, pool, lawn games
– Players can attend other games
It’s worth noting that visiting the theme parks is not included in the reported list of amenities. That’s not a huge surprise as the idea of keeping players protected and healthy while finishing out their season is a top priority, and visiting the theme parks doesn’t really fit into that vision.
Click on the image in the Tweet below to see the court layouts and amenities at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports complex.
Sources: NBA has sent teams a visual of court/workout arrangements in Orlando: pic.twitter.com/sT2rtFyKXK
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 16, 2020
If you’re unfamiliar with ESPN’s Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World, these buildings usually host amateur and youth sports competitions, cheerleading and dance competitions, and runDisney events. You may have picked up your racing bib or shopped for running gear in these buildings if you’ve ever participated in a runDisney event.
As bizarre as it is to think of professional sports leagues playing all of their games at Disney, there may also be some unique technology to ensure players are keeping their distance.
Hmm, where can we get our hands on these alarms? ????♂️????♀️????
— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) June 16, 2020
Go inside the NBA Bubble, with details from the NBPA memo obtained by @ShamsCharania ⤵️
Of course, it relies on both individuals wearing the alarm, but it’s still pretty wild stuff.
Walt Disney World will soon become a sports paradise as it prepares to host both the NBA and the MLS for the first major athletic competitions the United States has seen in several months. As a sports fan and a Disney fan, it will be fascinating to watch the games and spectacle unfold around this unique situation.
