NBA finalizes plan to finish season at Disney World

The NBA has finalized its plans with the National Basketball Players Association and Walt Disney World to restart its 2019-20 season at Disney World.

The season, which was interrupted by the pandemic, will resume in July with team practices and games played at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in the Arena, HP Field House and Visa Athletic Center. 

No fans will be allowed in the arenas.

Game play will resume on July 30 with 22 teams (the eight teams in each conference with the highest current winning percentages and the six teams currently within six games of the eighth seed in either conference) competing to determine seeding for the NBA Playoffs. The playoffs will feature 16 teams and the NBA Finals will end no later than Oct. 13 at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

The NBA and NBPA agreement includes health and safety protocols that address risks related to COVID-19 and focuses on the well-being of players, coaches, officials and staff.

“We have worked together with the Players Association to establish a restart plan that prioritizes health and safety, preserves competitive fairness and provides a platform to address social justice issues,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.  “We are grateful to our longtime collaborator Disney for its role in playing host and making this return to play possible, and we also thank the public health officials and infectious disease specialists who helped guide the creation of comprehensive medical protocols and protections.”

 “We’re glad to be able to provide a unique venue where the NBA can resume its season at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products.  “We look forward to welcoming the players, coaches and staff to Walt Disney World Resort as they prepare for the exciting return of professional basketball.”

The NBA and the NBPA have also agreed in principle that the goal of the season restart will be to find tangible and sustainable ways to address racial inequality across the country.  Leaders from the NBA and the NBPA have also discussed strategies to increase Black representation across the NBA and its teams, ensure greater inclusion of Black-owned and operated businesses across NBA business activities, and form an NBA foundation to expand educational and economic development opportunities across the Black community.  

In addition to the NBA, the MLS will also play its season at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in the Arena.