The NBA is reportedly looking into the idea of playing games in one or more centralized locations when the 2019-20 season resumes, and Disney World in Orlando has emerged as the most likely site.
Disney World is the “clear frontrunner” to serve as a host when NBA games return, according to Shams Charania and Sam Amick of The Athletic.
The NBA has Orlando/Disney World as a clear frontrunner for return-to-play site for resuming 2019-20 season, sources tell me and @sam_amick. Orlando has gained significant seriousness among other cites such as Las Vegas.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 20, 2020
The MGM Grand in Las Vegas has also been under consideration, and Houston has apparently been added to the list of possible sites as well. Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer reported on Wednesday that Houston is in the running.
If the NBA does settle on Houston, games could be played at the Toyota Center, which is the home of the Rockets, and the facilities at the George R. Brown Convention Center next door could also be utilized. It also remains possible that teams could play at their own arenas, though using a neutral site would help limit the risk associated with players and staffers traveling all over the country.
The governor of Florida has already made it clear that sports leagues are welcome to play games in the state. However, officials in places like California initially said there would be no sports all summer, but that has since changed. Disney World may be the most likely destination for the NBA, but several options remain on the table.
