League Cites HB2 As Reason for Unprecedented RelocationÂ
Charlotte will not host the 2017 All-Star Game, the NBA has just officially announced, after top Republicans in North Carolina political leadership refused to make changes to an anti-LGBT law signed by Governor Pat McCrory. The loss of the game will also mean the Tar Heel State will lose millions in tax revenue and businesses large and small will also lose a great deal of revenue.Â
“The NBA has decided to relocate the 2017 All-Star Game from Charlotte with the hope of rescheduling for 2019,” the NBA said in a statement. “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. 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.”
EARLIER: Breaking – Report: NBA to Pull 2017 All-Star Game Out Over North Carolina Over Anti-LGBT Law HB2
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has been working behind the scenes with North Carolina Republicans, trying to convince them to make changes to the sweeping law known as HB2, but to no avail. Silver warned Republicans that the league would move the game if lawmakers did not make necessary changes to the legislation, which they did not.
“We understand the NBA’s decision and the challenges around holding the NBA All-Star Game in Charlotte this season,” Charlotte Hornets Chairman Michael Jordan today said in a statement. “There was an exhaustive effort from all parties to keep the event in Charlotte, and we 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 an opportunity was 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.”
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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’
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