NBA broadcasters will be allowed on-site at Walt Disney World, and off-site.
NBA broadcasters calling games on-site at the league’s planned resumption of play at Walt Disney World will be allowed to leave the campus without being subject to any quarantine-style requirements, but will have no physical access to players, coaches or the playing surface and be required to wear face coverings at all times, according to the Miami Herald.
The league’s policy, which also applies to beat writers and photographers, would allow Turner Sports’ Kevin Harlan, Ian Eagle and Brian Anderson to balance the NBA’s resumption with their other commitments — the NFL on CBS for Harlan and Eagle, and the Milwaukee Brewers for Anderson.
With broadcasters barred from the playing surface, the networks reportedly plan to situate them “about a dozen rows up” during games. National announcers typically sit courtside.
As first reported by the New York Post this week, not all national announcers would head on-site. TNT’s Marv Albert has already opted out of traveling to Disney, as he is in the age group most at risk of COVID-19.
In addition to game broadcasters, TNT NBA analyst Kenny Smith told Front Office Sports this week that Turner is asking its “Inside the NBA” studio team to head to Disney for the conference finals in September. Even in typical years, the studio team is often situated outside the arena or in the stands during conference final road shows.
Some media professionals will have greater access at Disney, though with a catch. Per the Herald, the league will allow up to ten reporters to attend news conferences in person, but those reporters will be required to get daily COVID-19 tests, remain on-site for the duration of their stay, and to isolate for 14 days — seven at home prior to leaving for Disney, and then another seven restricted to their hotel room once they arrive.
No media outlet — not even rights holder ESPN — would be allowed more than one reporter with such access.
