The National Basketball Association is considering playing out the rest of the abridged season at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
NBA spokesman Mike Bass said the league is exploring the possibility of playing out the season at the Disney-owned 255-acre ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, which would be used as a single site for practices, housing, and games.
“Our priority continues to be the health and safety of all involved, and we are working with public health experts and government officials on a comprehensive set of guidelines to ensure that appropriate medical protocols and protections are in place,” Bass said in a statement.
Major League Soccer also announced that it is in talks with Disney over the possibility of utilizing a different part of the campus for games.
“That’s the money-winner when it comes to Disney,” Los Angeles Lakers forward Jared Dudley said. “That’s why we’ll be in Orlando. Disney owns ESPN. That’s where they make their money. During the playoffs and finals, it will all be seven games. That one, I’m almost 100% sure of.”
The league canceled its season on March 11 after Utah Jazz all-star center Rudy Golbert and other players tested positive for the coronavirus. Florida has become a destination for sporting leagues after Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis declared the state was open to allowing leagues to play out their seasons in the southern state.
