Sunday, July 26, 2026

Bubble Boys

Wide World of Sports
Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

As NBA players are preparing to arrive in Orlando on July 7, more is emerging about the league’s Florida bubble. Once in Disney World, players must isolate until two negative tests come back at least 24 hours apart. Until July 21, players will only be able to eat and socialize with players within their hotels – the 22 teams will be split among three hotels. Games will begin July 30, but first players need to read 113 pages of new rules. 

Players Safety Measures: 

  • Players can wear a proximity alarm – team and league staff must wear them – that goes off if they spend more than five seconds within six feet of another alarm. 
  • An option to wear an Oura Ring, which monitors vital health measurements
  • Masks at all times, except eating, working out, or when outdoors more than six feet from another person.
  • Expectation all players remain on campus; those who leave without permission will submit to a 14-day quarantine with compensation docked for any missed game.
  • Players aren’t allowed in each other’s hotel rooms.
  • Daily temperature checks, symptom surveys, and pulse oximetry, along with regular COVID-19 tests.

Player Amenities

  • Players-only lounge with video games
  • Pools and trails
  • Available Barbers, manicurists, and pedicurists
  • 24-hour VIP concierge
  • Daily entertainment including movie screenings, DJ sets, and watching other teams’ games
  • For each team that advances past the first round, teams will be allowed to reserve up to 17 rooms for guests – which the player would pay for.

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