The NBA Ditches the All-Star Game in Charlotte

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Due to recent a recent state law, the NBA has decided to relocate the 2017 All-Star game from Charlotte.

House Bill 2 denies many of the laws put in place to protect North Carolina’s LBGT community. The NBA’s league commissioner Adam Silver publicly opposed this bill. During the 2016 NBA finals, the commissioner himself voiced his opinion in press conference.

His remarks profiled by the New York Daily News:

This will have a significant impact on the city of Charlotte. The all-star game brings locals, fans and a massive jump in revenue to the city. Many Restaurants, hotels and bars all fill up in light of the operation which spans city wide.

Hotel occupancy rates in Charlotte were the highest in last 6 years in April, hotels had highest revenue in 6 years in May, says @STR_Data.

— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) July 22, 2016

NBA Players and columnists reacted to the recent relocation:

I recognize this was a tough decision for the NBA but I respect the choice. Discrimination of any kind cannot be allowed

— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) July 22, 2016

The city of Charlotte even had plans to renovate the arena. Much of the revenue would come from the All-Star game.

2. Two years ago the city of Charlotte approved a big arena fix spend partly for the All-Star Game they just lost.https://t.co/7hyXsBen6J

— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) July 21, 2016

Some in the state of North Carolina are outraged by the decision regardless of the NBA’s decision to consider Charlotte as the host city in 2018.

Some even publicly criticized the relocation, including the state’s Governor:

Governor McCrory issues statement on the NBA's decision to relocate 2017 All-Star Game: https://t.co/O5Vz4l5L0i pic.twitter.com/uhrtm0VW9W

— NC Governor's Office (@GovOfficeNC) July 21, 2016

Regardless of the recent stir, the NBA under Silver has been firm not to change it’s stance and the relocation will stay permanent.

The NBA has yet to make a decision of where the 2017 NBA All-Star Weekend will take place.