The NBA Is Coming to Walt Disney World!

The NBA Experience at Walt Disney World
The NBA Experience at Walt Disney World ©Disney and NBA

The NBA is officially bringing the basketball season to the Walt Disney World! Teams will practice, play, and stay at the resort!

Rumors of the National Basketball Association heading to Walt Disney World have been circulating for some time now. However, Disney and the NBA have both confirmed that teams will go to Orlando for the season beginning July 31, 2020.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, live audiences will attend the games. Instead, the teams and employees working for the NBA will stay in a “bubble” at Walt Disney World for broadcast. Three Walt Disney World Resort hotels will house the players and their families. However, the teams and families are not permitted to leave the “bubble” or visit the theme parks. Games will be recorded at the 220-acre ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on property.

Disney has not yet confirmed the properties housing the NBA. Speculation appears to point to Coronado Springs including the new Gran Destino Tower, Jambo House at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, and the Contemporary Resort as none of these hotels are available for booking.

Related Posts to the NBA Is Coming to Walt Disney World

NBA teams and employees will undergo daily screenings for COVID-19 and will have access to on-site amenities including pools and restaurants. The additionally, eight bottom-tier teams will not be part of this experience. Disney’s interest in televised sports began after it acquired the majority of the Entertainment and Sports Programming Network (ESPN), back in 1996.

To get updates on the reopening of Walt Disney World, sign up for our free e-mail newsletter! You can also follow us on Instagram and Twitter.