Will Disney Consider Hosting the WNBA Season?
Disney’s relationship with the NBA has evolved greatly over the years. The addition of the NBA Experience venue at Disney Springs last year helped to reinforce this relationship even further. Recently, speculation has been swirling around the idea that Disney World will host the remainder of the 2020 NBA season. This leaves fans wondering whether Disney would consider hosting the WNBA season as well?
As many are aware, Disney owns ESPN. As a result, there is a significant ESPN presence at the Walt Disney World Resort. The ESPN Wide World of Sports is a massive complex on Disney property where numerous sporting events are held each year. The complex has been named as a potential host site for the remainder of the 2020 NBA season, which was suspended due to the Coronavirus.
The WNBA season, originally scheduled to open on May 15th, was postponed due to the virus as well. Consequently, the entire season is currently in limbo. Could the Women’s National Basketball Association could find a new home at Walt Disney World too?
What does the future hold for the WNBA season?
According to a tweet from Keith Smith of Yahoo! Sports (and former Disney employee), Disney sources reportedly “would be happy to host the WNBA.” This is exciting news for Disney-loving basketball fans. The possibility for both the NBA and WNBA seasons to be held at Walt Disney World brings more questions as to what this might look like.
Asked a follow-up about the WNBA and was told: "We'd be happy to host the WNBA here as well. We see this as an overall partnership with the entire NBA umbrella. We've been great partners for years, as seen with the NBA Experience at Disney Springs. This is an expansion of that." https://t.co/CDo8THR39Q
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) May 23, 2020
An article from NBCSports.com discusses the recent talks between Disney and the NBA. Safety is being prioritized during these discussions and is ultimately the most critical consideration. For example, NBA spokesman Mike Bass states:
“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.”
What do you think? Should Walt Disney World host the NBA and WNBA seasons? We are excited about the possibility! Let us know what you think the future holds for basketball this year.
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