The NBA players and teams are in the Disney World bubble, all COVID-19 tests since July 13 have come back negative and we now have our first look at the NBA bubble court. It's getting real, folks.
Below are images and videos of the court showing "Black Lives Matter" written on the parquet.
The NBA bubble court 🔥🔥
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) July 21, 2020
“Black Lives Matter” above the logo pic.twitter.com/91CfMCz1ct
Here's a closer look at the "Black Lives Matter" message:
The new court. The season is almost back, y’all. pic.twitter.com/cENuYsSZ6i
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) July 21, 2020
The NBA and the players have been outspoken in advocating for the movement toward social justice and the end of police brutality.
Some players spent their offseason at protests as civil unrest and calls to action rose in every state. Athletes have also used their social media platforms to demand justice and many are planning to wear social justice messages on the back of their jerseys when the season resumes.
The NBA writing the message on the court is a reminder of its ongoing stance to create and promote equality, not just in the league, but throughout the country.
The WNBA will also reportedly have "Black Lives Matter" on the court and players will wear warm-up shirts that read "Say Her Name."
The "Black Lives Matter" message is not the only thing different about this year's court. Photos of the arena show distanced seats that will serve as the bench. They also have large screens surrounding the court, extending behind the hoop and behind the bench.
Fans will not be permitted at games so seating surrounding the court is not a concern.
Here is the NBA restart court in Orlando: the spaced out chairs are the socially distanced bench, Black Lives Matter is written on the court. pic.twitter.com/XGJu1w4QLC
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) July 21, 2020
We have been getting sneak peeks of bubble life and are starting to see how this very abnormal season ending will look.
When sports shut down in March due to the coronavirus pandemic fans were unsure if they'd get to see the seasons finish out, but leagues are finding a way to safely return amid the pandemic, and the NBA is clearly at the forefront.