When NBA resumes at Disney World don’t expect to see players in the parks

The Board of Player Representatives of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) has approved further negotiations with the NBA on a 22-team return to play scenario to restart the 2019-20 NBA season at Disney World.

“Various details remain to be negotiated and the acceptance of the scenario would still require that all parties reach agreement on all issues relevant to resuming play,” according to a statement by the player’s association.

The plan is for a 22-team format. The teams would be allowed to open training camps in late June before arriving at Disney around July 7. Teams will continue practice and have scrimmages before each team would play eight games to determine playoff seeding.

Games will begin on July 31 and continue into October at ESPN Wide World of Sports complex. There has been some rumors that NBA would take over the Coronado Springs Resort, which is Disney World’s largest convention resort with 2,385 guest rooms and more than 220,000 square feet of dedicated event function space.

According to The Athletic, sources say “practice will take place inside a convention center — with two courts and weight rooms. Three-hour window for each team.”

In addition, NBPA leadership told players that staying on the campus is mandatory during play. They will not be allowed to leave the “bubble.” So, don’t expect to see any NBA players at any of the parks. Players will be tested every night.