Breaking – Report: NBA to Pull 2017 All-Star Game Out Over North Carolina Over Anti-LGBT Law HB2

Formal Announcement Expected This Week

The NBA will be pulling the 2017 All-Star Game out of North Carolina in response to a lack of action by state lawmakers and GOP Governor Pat McCrory on an anti-LGBT law, according to a report. HB2, a broad, sweeping law McCrory signed among other acts bans transgender people from using restrooms that correspond with their gender identity. The NBA has objected to the legislation from the start.

“The NBA is focused on the New Orleans’ Smoothie King Center as the host for All-Star Weekend and the All-Star Game on Feb. 19,” writes Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo’s “The Vertical,” who first reported the news, citing unnamed “league sources.”

“For now, there are still other cities trying to lure the All-Star Game, sources said,” Wojnarowski reports. “A formal announcement on the NBA’s withdrawal out of Charlotte is expected as soon as this week, league sources said Thursday.”

Adam Silver has been working behind the scenes to try to get Republican leaders in the North Carolina House and Senate to remove the objectionable portions of the HB2 law, but to no avail. Silver had made clear he did not wish to issue an ultimatum, but did say HB2 was a hindrance to the league holding the All-Stars game in Charlotte.

The All-Stars Game is expected to bring millions of dollars of business into any city that hosts it.

In April Silver had said it would be necessary for the law to change for the NBA to keep the game in the Tar Heel State, and in June he acknowledged he was looking at other cities.

 

EARLIER:

Breaking: NBA Commissioner Says Change in Anti-LGBT Law ‘Necessary’ for All-Star Game to Stay in NC

Charles Barkley: ‘We Need to Move the All-Star Game’ Because of HB2

NBA Commissioner on 2017 All-Star Game in NC: ‘We Are in the Process of Looking at Other Options’

 

This is a breaking news and developing story. Details may change. This story will be updated, and NCRM will likely publish follow-up stories on this news. Stay tuned and refresh for updates.

 

Image of Adam Silver via Facebook 
Image of All-Star game logo via Wikimedia