NBA at Walt Disney World

[rteetz]

Has there been even one credible rumor that the NBA talks are effecting the reopening of WDW?

Not really but it makes sense. I’m sure it will impact how Disney does reopen.

 

[RWinNOLA]

Not really but it makes sense. I’m sure it will impact how Disney does reopen.

But why does it have to affect WDW reopening? From what I understand, it seems CSR and GDT are completely open for the next several months.

There are 30 teams in the NBA so if you need say 20 rooms per team (players and coaches), then that’s about 600 rooms required. Throw in another 100-200 rooms for NBA staff, referees, etc and a resort like CSR has plenty enough room to house them all.

They would likely stay isolated to make sure none of the players get the virus so they wouldn’t be able to explore the WDW resort except for maybe private events. But no way do I see WDW shutting down everything for months to accommodate the NBA.

 

[rteetz]

But why does it have to affect WDW reopening? From what I understand, it seems CSR and GDT are completely open for the next several months.

There are 30 teams in the NBA so if you need say 20 rooms per team (players and coaches), then that’s about 600 rooms required. Throw in another 100-200 rooms for NBA staff, referees, etc and a resort like CSR has plenty enough room to house them all.

They would likely stay isolated to make sure none of the players get the virus so they wouldn’t be able to explore the WDW resort except for maybe private events. But no way do I see WDW shutting down everything for months to accommodate the NBA.

I’m not saying it’s going to delay the opening further but I think without a doubt it impacts the operations. Whatever areas the NBA is using will likely be closed to the public.

 

[LovingPooh]

Still feel Disney is holding off on announcing reopening date because of possible NBA games/playoffs discussions. Again, this is just my opinion.

Of course basketball should come before all else

 

[nkosiek]

I don't think it's just an operational issue at WDW that this would impact. Disney trying to get the NBA and MLS affects other parts of the Disney business. Getting them up and going will help with advertising across networks and other income streams. I wonder if it doesn't make business sense to make sure these events happen rather than opening Parks & Resorts to "regular folks".

 

[cakebaker]

I wonder if it doesn't make business sense to make sure these events happen rather than opening Parks & Resorts to "regular folks".

The backlash would be terrible. To keep their parks shut for what could be months to host the NBA while all other theme parks open? I never say never, but I think the chances are virtually non existent.

 

[DCBuckeye]

I don't think it's just an operational issue at WDW that this would impact. Disney trying to get the NBA and MLS affects other parts of the Disney business. Getting them up and going will help with advertising across networks and other income streams. I wonder if it doesn't make business sense to make sure these events happen rather than opening Parks & Resorts to "regular folks".

Disney has minimal investment in MLS and the ratings are miniscule

There are plenty of rooms at Disney to house the NBA.

Neither of these things are holding up the parks being opened

 

[FCDub]

There are an awful lot of us who couldn’t care less about the NBA. I only care in as far as it affects WDW opening.

Well you won’t have to watch when the season starts again.

 

[bb32]

The backlash would be terrible. To keep their parks shut for what could be months to host the NBA while all other theme parks open? I never say never, but I think the chances are virtually non existent.

I’d argue there are more interest world wide in the NBA returning then WDW Theme Parks opening a month or two earlier. Many have no interest in traveling at the moment regardless so the parks opening in June vs August holds no impact outside of a small minority.

Having no idea of the proposed deal with the NBA, so who knows what this deal could mean for the future of NBA playoff tv rights. Perhaps exclusive Disney+ “Hardknocks” themed show. There are millions if not billions in ad/tv revenue and potential down road impact on ESPN, ABC, and/or Disney+.

Again no idea if it will impact the opening or not. But to presume it’s not possible isn’t true.

 

[wareagle57]

More people would care about the NBA being back than visiting Disney World in the middle of a pandemic.

Maybe. How many fans does the NBA have? But the point is they could do both.

If they are staying closed through the season anyway, and want to use this as a good excuse, then ok. But I think they’ll open the parks even with the NBA

 

[rteetz]

Maybe. How many fans does the NBA have? But the point is they could do both.

If they are staying closed through the season anyway, and want to use this as a good excuse, then ok. But I think they’ll open the parks even with the NBA

It’s not like the NBA is Tennis or something. No offense to tennis but the NBA is an international draw. More so than NFL and MLB even. Obviously the NFL is more popular here but the NBA is pretty popular across the globe.

 

[tinkerhon]

The backlash would be terrible. To keep their parks shut for what could be months to host the NBA while all other theme parks open? I never say never, but I think the chances are virtually non existent.

Totally agree and mentioned it on another thread - and again, and not purposely trying to be vague, but out of he four major sports, the NBA would be the absolute worst for Disney from a PR standpoint - all you have to do is google NBA and/or LeBron James (the face of the league) and their relationship with certain (basically one) countries -

 

[rteetz]

Totally agree and mentioned it on another thread - and again, and not purposely trying to be vague, but out of he four major sports, the NBA would be the absolute worst for Disney from a PR standpoint - all you have to do is google NBA and/or LeBron James (the face of the league) and their relationship with certain (basically one) countries -

If that was the case Disney/ESPN/ABC wouldn’t be in bed deep with the NBA. Disney has a larger relationship with the NBA than any other sports league I believe.

 

[Krandor]

Totally agree and mentioned it on another thread - and again, and not purposely trying to be vague, but out of he four major sports, the NBA would be the absolute worst for Disney from a PR standpoint - all you have to do is google NBA and/or LeBron James (the face of the league) and their relationship with certain (basically one) countries -

i am not a huge nba fan but you can’t ignore that the sport and league is very popular.

 

[cakebaker]

Well you won’t have to watch when the season starts again.

I never had before, so won’t be much of a change. I don’t question that they have a huge fan base. But there’s probably an equal number who either could care less or intensely dislike the whole pro sports thing.

 

[SaintsManiac]

Totally agree and mentioned it on another thread - and again, and not purposely trying to be vague, but out of he four major sports, the NBA would be the absolute worst for Disney from a PR standpoint - all you have to do is google NBA and/or LeBron James (the face of the league) and their relationship with certain (basically one) countries -

You might think that. I assure you that many many people disagree with you. People are foaming at the mouth for live basketball right now.

 

[bb32]

Totally agree and mentioned it on another thread - and again, and not purposely trying to be vague, but out of he four major sports, the NBA would be the absolute worst for Disney from a PR standpoint - all you have to do is google NBA and/or LeBron James (the face of the league) and their relationship with certain (basically one) countries -

Not sure what you’re implying with this. Disney does a lot of business with China as well.

Interest in the NBA outweighs interest in Disney Theme Parks by a large margin. Don’t let this echo chamber fool you.

Whether it’s the correct call financially that’s for Disney to decide.

 

[tinkerhon]

You might think that. I assure you that many many people disagree with you. People are foaming at the mouth for live basketball right now.

They might be - I would feel the same about the NFL if the season doesn't start in Sept - but really wasn't mentioning backlash from an NBA fan perspective - again, don't wish to get political

 

[DCBuckeye]

Totally agree and mentioned it on another thread - and again, and not purposely trying to be vague, but out of he four major sports, the NBA would be the absolute worst for Disney from a PR standpoint - all you have to do is google NBA and/or LeBron James (the face of the league) and their relationship with certain (basically one) countries -

Given Disney is paying the NBA over $1 billion a year, and they promo it nearly nonstop, I think they’d disagree with you

 

[tinkerhon]

If that was the case Disney/ESPN/ABC wouldn’t be in bed deep with the NBA. Disney has a larger relationship with the NBA than any other sports league I believe.

I would agree - mlb probably a distant second -