The original plan saw the Charlotte Hornets set to host the 2017 NBA All-Star Game but due to a controversial law set in place by North Carolina lawmakers, the NBA elected to go another way. New Orleans hosted the 2017 NBA All-Star Game but the city of Charlotte and the Hornets were not out of the running to bring the game back in the future.
North Carolina lawmakers are reportedly making strides towards restructuring the controversial HB2 law, or the ‘bathroom bill’, and it’s clearing the path for the All-Star game back in Charlotte. The 2019 NBA All-Star game is reportedly going to be hosted by the ‘Queen City’.
Following from Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer.
BREAKING: NBA and Charlotte finalize deal to bring 2019 All-Star Game here.
— Rick Bonnell (@rick_bonnell) May 24, 2017
All-Star Weekend in Charlotte will be Feb. 15-17. Story coming from me and @katieperalta
— Rick Bonnell (@rick_bonnell) May 24, 2017
The 2018 NBA All-Star game is going to be hosted by Los Angeles.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver let it be known that if the state decied to amend the bill or get rid of it completely, the NBA would indeed consider the city as a host in the future. It appears all parties have held up their sides of the deal.
The Hornets and team owner Michael Jordan released the following in a statement.
“We are thrilled the league has awarded NBA All-Star 2019 to the city of Charlotte. We want to thank Commissioner Silver for his leadership throughout this process and for the decision to bring NBA All-Star back to Buzz City. All-Star Weekend is an international event that will provide a tremendous economic impact to our community while showcasing our city, our franchise and our passionate Hornets fan base to people around the world. We look forward to serving as hosts for NBA All-Star 2019 and welcoming all visitors and guests to Spectrum Center.”
