After losing the 2017 All Star Game to New Orleans due to the passage of HB2, the NBA has reversed course and awarded the 2019 All Star Game to the city.
The 68 All Star Game will be hosted by Michael Jordan and the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center, on Sunday, February 17, 2019.
Statement from Hornets Chairman Michael Jordan regarding the 2019 #NBAAllStar Game.#BuzzCitypic.twitter.com/0LGKz8jICR
Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) May 24, 2017
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement in regards to the announcement:
“For three decades, the NBA has had a home in Charlotte. Generations of families have attended games there, and fans from many different walks of life have come together to share a passion for a team that is an anchor in the community.
We have decided to award NBA All-Star 2019 to Charlotte based on this deep connection and the belief that we can honor our shared values of equality and inclusion, and we are excited to bring the All-Star Game back to Charlotte for the first time in 28 years.
While we understand the concerns of those who say the repeal of HB2 did not go far enough, we believe the recent legislation eliminates the most egregious aspects of the prior law. Additionally, it allows us to work with the leadership of the Hornets organization to apply a set of equality principles to ensure that every All-Star event will proceed with open access and anti-discrimination policies. All venues, hotels and businesses we work with during All-Star will adhere to these policies as well.
Sports have a long history of helping to change attitudes around important social issues. We believe holding our All-Star activities in Charlotte will be a powerful way for the NBA to continue this tradition.
