Your Guide to MLS and the NBA in Kissimmee

Whether you have hoop dreams, or soccer goal screams, it’s a good time to be a sports fan here in Kissimmee. The NBA (National Basketball Association) and MLS (Major League Soccer) — two of the world’s most popular leagues — are coming to town to compete for championship glory and the love of the game. Of course, things are going to look a little different when your favorite teams take the field or hit the hardwood this time around. And Kissimmee is a destination that has no problem doing things a little differently – for all the right reasons.

Here’s everything sports fans need to know about the upcoming games coming to the Kissimmee area.

The NBA is Ready to Play

When the NBA returns at the end of July, 22 teams will be competing for 16 playoff spots. Each team will play eight “regular season” games to determine who continues on the road to the NBA Finals and who goes home. So, who’s coming to play? Good question!

From the Eastern Conference, you’ll see:

● Orlando Magic (Woohoo!)

● Milwaukee Bucks

● Toronto Raptors

● Boston Celtics

● Miami Heat

● Indiana Pacers

● Philadelphia 79ers

● Brooklyn Nets

● Washington Wizards

And coming out of the Western Conference, you’ll see:

● Los Angeles Lakers

● Los Angeles Clippers

● Denver Nuggets

● Utah Jazz

● Oklahoma City Thunder

● Houston Rockets

● Dallas Mavericks

● Memphis Grizzlies

● Portland Trail Blazers

● New Orleans Pelicans

● Sacramento Kings

● San Antonio Spurs

● Phoenix Suns

Once the seeding is determined, the playoffs will kick off and a champion will be crowned. We’re definitely hoping there’s a little “magic” in the air during the playoffs, but who will you be cheering on?

MLS is Soccer at its Best

Basketball isn’t the only sport coming to visit this summer. The MLS is Back Tournament will also be taking place from July 8, 2020 through August 11, 2020. During this cup-style competition, all 26 MLS teams will participate in a group stage before 16 teams move on to the knockout round. Eventually, one team will reign supreme. We’ll definitely be cheering on Orlando City SC, but there are teams from all over North America competing in this tournament, including Atlanta United FC, Toronto FC, Los Angeles FC, Seattle Sounders FC, and Real Salt Lake.

Kissimmee is No Stranger to the Big Game

Over the years, Kissimmee has hosted all sorts of sporting events, including the 2016 Invictus Games, where armed services personnel and veterans wounded in the line of duty competed in nine different competitions. This event drew athletes from 15 different countries and fans from all over the world to the Kissimmee area. We’ve also been proud to host the Sunshine State Conference basketball championships, numerous golf tournaments, and are looking forward to welcoming the Special Olympics USA Games in June 2022.

Welcome to the Wide World of Sports

With basketball and soccer making a return, a venue big enough to safely hold everyone was needed. Luckily, we have just the thing — the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex! Home to nine venues, the impressive Complex can host everything from track and field competitions to tennis matches and baseball games to roller hockey battles. The MLS teams will enjoy the facilities as well as the NBA. While the NBA is here, players will practice and play at three different facilities: The Arena, HP Fieldhouse, and the VISA Athletic Center. Sure, they may not have home-court advantage, but they’ll undoubtedly feel home sweet home during their stay near Kissimmee. 

Where’s the Best Place to Catch the Action? From Your Vacation Home!

As you’ve probably heard by now, no fans will be allowed to cheer on their favorite teams in person for these games. But that doesn’t mean you can’t take them in from the best seat in the house — especially if you’re staying in one of Kissimmee’s incredible vacation homes. As the Vacation Home Capital of the World, Kissimmee has accommodations for everybody, including sports fans. Imagine relaxing in your own home theater and watching kickoff or tipoff on the big screen, complete with epic surround sound that will make you feel like you’re on the sidelines! Some of the vacation homes even have mini basketball courts, so you can play a game of your own followed by a relaxing soak in a private hot tub. There’s no doubt about it, a Kissimmee vacation home is the real MVP — the most valuable place (to stay) — on your getaway.

Let the Games Begin!

The only thing we’re more excited to see here in Kissimmee than the NBA and MLS is you! Until then, be sure to keep in touch with us by following along on our Instagram and Facebook pages. And stay up to date on all things Kissimmee by subscribing to our newsletter.