The NBA responded to the passing of North Carolina's HB2 law regarding sexual-orientation implications for businesses and employment discrimination restrictions with a strongly worded statement indicating that the 2017 All-Star Game in Charlotte could be in danger if the law stands.
Despite North Carolina's governor issuing an executive order to clarify certain elements of the law in an effort to quell widespread outrage and threats of business removal from multiple powerful entities, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver specifically reasserted the league's position Thursday that if the bill stands, the league will move the 2017 All-Star Game.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver reiterated today that if there's no change to HB2, the 2017 NBA All-Star Game will eventually be moved.
— Rick Bonnell (@rick_bonnell) April 21, 2016
Silver also told reporters there is no timeline for such a decision to be made. The annual three-day event is worth millions to host cities and losing it would be a black eye for both the state and the Hornets, who are set to generate considerable exposure from the event in addition to tourism revenue.
The NBA has placed itself at the forefront of sports leagues in establishing diversity of all kinds as a core value. Moving the All-Star Game is a heavy weapon to wield in this debate as fervor and public outcry continues in North Carolina and other states who have adopted similar laws.
