The Reality of the Basketball Bubbles

Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Well, the plans to resume NBA action have continued to move forward despite 24 (and growing) players testing positive for COVID-19 and a 10.3% positive test rate in Florida. Some teams have even shut down their practice facilities because of positive test cases. Despite this, courts were built, players made the flight to Florida, and fans are excited. However, what cost will the NBA endure to make sure the 2019-2020 season can finish?

I'm going to be real with you. The NBA is about to drop $150 million for the three-month "Disney Bubble". That is around $1.5 million per day to run the league. Wow. With this hefty price tag, what exactly is going to cost so much? Here is a list of some of the amenities via USA Today.

• Disney World Resort lodging

• Players only game lounges equipped with NBA 2K and arcade games

• The ability to swim, fish, bike, boat, golf, etc.

• 24-hour concierge services

• Private movie screenings

• A DJ

• The possibility of family visitation

• On-site hair stylists, hair braiders, and nail technicians

• Access to mental health services and yoga

• Full catering and personal chefs

Salary cuts are about the only negative thing. In more recent news, players will be wearing rings that could be an early detector in identifying COVID-19 symptoms such as heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature, in order to determine a "Risk Rate". Trust me, I'm not making this up. Read more about it on Sports Illustrated.

Hearing this sounds crazy, right? I'm blown away by this. Seems like NBA players are getting the royal treatment. It will truly be "The Happiest Place on Earth" for them. However, some players have elected to not finish out the season for many different reason from health to family.

Photo Courtesy via NBA Twitter

As players are getting used to the "bubble life", it seems like the food and rooms aren't pleasing them. NBA players' Twitters are blowing up with images and videos of meals, rooms, and accommodations that seem to be anything but 5-star. Look, I understand on the food end, but like come on? You're lucky that you get to play, and you're complaining about what the room looks like. Supposedly, the food is going to change once the two-week quarantine has passed, but only time will tell.

Wait, what about the WNBA? Oh, I am so glad you asked! Let's just say the WNBA isn't getting the amenities that NBA is receiving. As sad as it makes me, it's what I expected. The WNBA will starting their 2020 season at the IMG Academy. The what academy? My point exactly. The IMG Academy is in Bradenton, FL and helps athletes better their skills. The WNBA flew down there on commercial airlines, while the NBA flew private. You haven't heard of it until now? Me neither. Here are some of the WNBA amenities via Insider.

• Multi-room villas and shared rooms

• Pay cuts

• No family visitation

• Boxed meals

As you can see, the WNBA bubble isn't anywhere near the glamour of the NBA bubble. I'm sure they're getting a few other things, but I haven't seen as detailed of a list as I did for the NBA. There has been a mix of positive and negative feelings from WNBA players. On social media, it has been nothing but horrible conditions in the WNBA bubble as noted in the video below with Seattle Storm player, Alysha Clark. Anything from below average food to bed bugs, the WNBA is really feeling the bubble blues. She also addresses Kelly Loeffler, which I wrote about in a different blog post.

So, amenities (or lack thereof) aside, the basketball bubbles are insane. The bubble concept, from a health and safety perspective, is intriguing. I hope that it is successful in not spreading COVID-19 while allowing basketball players to play basketball. The NBA and WNBA seem to be the test pilots for what other leagues may have to do. The NHL isn't "bubbling" and neither is the MLB. It will be interesting to monitor COVID-19 in those leagues. Although the NBA was close to beginning the playoffs before the coronavirus hiatus, I'm personally more excited for the WNBA's season to finally begin. Let's get ready for tip-off!