NBA announces relocation of 2017 NBA All-Star game

  • 22/07/2016
nba Commissioner Adam Silver (Reuters)
nba Commissioner Adam Silver (Reuters)

The NBA has announced that they will be relocating the 2017 NBA All-Star game from Charlotte in response to the state's anti-LGBT legislation.

In a statement, the league said it hopes to reschedule the game to appear in Charlotte in 2019.

"Since March, when North Carolina enacted HB2 and the issue of legal protections for the LGBT community in Charlotte became prominent, the NBA and the Charlotte Hornets have been working diligently to foster constructive dialogue and try to effect positive change," the league announced.

"We have been guided in these discussions by the long-standing core values of our league. These include not only diversity, inclusion, fairness and respect for others but also the willingness to listen and consider opposing points of view.

"While we recognize that the NBA cannot choose the law in every city, state, and country in which we do business, we do not believe we can successfully host our All-Star festivities in Charlotte in the climate created by HB2."

Michael Jordan, who owns the Charlotte Hornets, released his own statement in response.

"We understand the NBA's decision and the challenges around holding the NBA All-Star Game in Charlotte this season. There was an exhaustive effort from all parties to keep the event in Charlotte, and are disappointed we were unable to do so.

"With that said, we are pleased that the NBA opened the door for Charlotte to host All-Star Weekend again as soon as opportunity is available in 2019.

"We want to thank the City of Charlotte and the business community for their backing throughout this entire process, starting with the initial bid. We are confident that they will be just as supportive and enthusiastic for the 2019 NBA All-Star Game."

Fellow NBA teams have gone to Twitter and shared their support.

NBA announces relocation of 2017 NBA All-Star game

The statement said the league will announce an alternate venue for the event in the coming weeks. It appears that New Orleans is the early from runner to host the event. They recently hosted the event in 2014 and 2008.

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