Update:
The NBA has indeed decided to move the All-Star Game from Charlotte, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical. The league is reportedly focused on New Orleans as the next host. Chicago and the combination of New York and Brooklyn are also being considered. The league is expected to issue a formal declaration as early as this week.
Original Story Follows:
The NBA is nearing a decision to pull out of the 2017 All-Star Game in Charlotte, according to Adrian Wojnarowski. If they do indeed make that decision, New Orleans is reportedly the favorite to host the event.
The NBA’s decision is based on the controversial HB2 law in North Carolina. In essence, the bill is an anti-LGBT one, limiting the rights of trans-gendered people.
Adam Silver and the NBA has taken a firm stance on the bill early in its inception. They have routinely threatened that they would take away the All-Star game, a large source of revenue for the state, if it were not changed.
A few weeks ago, it appeared that there would be discussion on reaching a compromise. However, in this case, the league is not interested in simply reducing the harshness of the law, and instead wants it fully abolished.
Mike Krzyzewski, head coach at Duke University in NC, had the following to say about HB2 to Jeff Zillgitt of USA TODAY Sports at Team USA camp yesterday:
“It’s an embarrassing bill,” Krzyzewski told USA TODAY Sports. “That’s all I’m going to say about it.”
The activism brought about by Coach K and the NBA may just do enough to change the law. However, that has not happened yet, and the clock is ticking in North Carolina to host the 2017 All-Star Game.
