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The NBA Experience at Walt Disney World: What is it, and how did it come about? | The Jump

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NBA commissioner Adam Silver and Disney CEO Bob Iger join Rachel Nichols to discuss The NBA Experience at Walt Disney World.

they discuss how it came about, its many features, even Silver’s wax statue, how Iger’s wife Willow Bay — who once co-hosted NBA Inside Stuff — helped him get interested in the league, and more.

What is the NBA Experience at Walt Disney World and where is it located?

The NBA Experience at Walt Disney World: What is it, and how did it come about? | The Jump

The NBA Experience at Walt Disney World is a 44,000-square-foot interactive entertainment venue that opened its doors in August 2019 in Disney Springs, a shopping, dining, and entertainment district of Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, USA. The venue features 13 different experiences that allow fans of all ages to engage in various basketball-related activities and challenges, such as shooting hoops, dribbling, dunking, reacting, strategizing, and trivia games.

The NBA Experience is a collaboration between the National Basketball Association (NBA) and Walt Disney Imagineering, which is the creative engine behind Disney’s theme parks, resorts, and attractions worldwide. The two companies announced their partnership in late 2015 with the goal of creating a one-of-a-kind destination that would celebrate the NBA’s history, culture, and fandom, while also appealing to families, tourists, and sports enthusiasts.

The development of the NBA Experience took about four years from conception to completion, with a team of designers, engineers, architects, and consultants working together to bring the project to life. According to Disney, the venue was designed to provide an immersive and interactive experience that would combine the excitement of the NBA with the magic of Disney. The creators wanted visitors to feel like they are stepping inside a basketball-themed world that is both realistic and fantastical, with authentic details and touches of whimsy.

One of the highlights of the NBA Experience is the NBA Draft presented by State Farm, which lets guests simulate the process of being drafted by an NBA team. Visitors can also test their shooting skills at the Slam Dunk Challenge, the Three-Point Contest, and the Beat the Shot Clock game. Other activities include the Draft Combine, which tests fans’ agility, speed, and strength; the NBA G League, where fans can hone their coaching and broadcasting skills; the Skills Challenge, which involves dribbling, passing, and shooting through obstacles; and the Dunk Dream, where fans can create and share their own slam dunk highlight reels.

The NBA Experience also features a retail shop, called the NBA Store, where fans can buy official NBA merchandise, including jerseys, hats, and souvenirs. The store also offers customizable products, such as jerseys, T-shirts, and phone cases, that allow fans to add their own name and number to the back.

The NBA Experience is not the first collaboration between the NBA and Disney. The two companies have a longstanding relationship that dates back to the 1990s when Disney produced a series of NBA-themed movies, such as “Space Jam” and “The Sixth Man.” In recent years, the NBA has hosted its annual All-Star Game, Draft, and Playoffs on Disney-owned networks, such as ESPN and ABC. The NBA and Disney have also partnered on several youth basketball programs and initiatives, such as the Jr. NBA, the NBA Academy, and the NBA Leadership Council.

Overall, the NBA Experience at Walt Disney World is a unique and entertaining addition to the already impressive lineup of attractions at Disney Springs. The venue offers something for everyone, whether you’re a die-hard basketball fan or a casual observer. The NBA Experience is a testament to the creative synergy between two iconic brands that share a passion for storytelling, innovation, and fun.