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The NBA has apparently zeroed in on a host site should a return to play occur this season, as sources told Shams Charania and Sam Amick of The Athletic that Orlando/Disney World has emerged as the clear front-runner.
"The prospect of players fully training in mid-June and playing by mid-July has been the most popular and possible scenario discussed," Charania and Amick report, citing sources.
Walt Disney World has reportedly begun to adjust some of its hotel spaces in order to adapt to the NBA's needs, according to Yahoo Sports' Keith Smith.
Some work has also reportedly been completed on the Wide World of Sports Complex, which hosts college basketball's annual Orlando Invitational, in anticipation of hosting the NBA and possibly Major League Soccer.
"We are confident we'll be hosting the NBA in some fashion," Walt Disney World sources told Smith. "It may not be the entire league, but we believe the NBA will be here to at least finish part of their season. Still hurdles to cross, but we are preparing as if that is the case."
Because Walt Disney World is a private property, it would be easier for the NBA to control access than it would be at other proposed sites, a league source told Smith.
Commissioner Adam Silver reportedly also mentioned Las Vegas as a potential host city, and more recently, Houston apparently received consideration as a host should the 2019-20 season resume.
