Swarm and Sting
Fansided

Report: Charlotte “Will be Eligible” to Host 2019 NBA All-Star Game

By Jerry Stephens

Feb 14, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Chairman, Charlotte Hornets Michael Jordan (R) holds a jersey as Chairman of the board, MLSE Larry Tanenbaum (L) looks on during a stoppage in play in the second half during the NBA All Star Game between the Western Conference and the Eastern Conference at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 14, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Chairman, Charlotte Hornets Michael Jordan (R) holds a jersey as Chairman of the board, MLSE Larry Tanenbaum (L) looks on during a stoppage in play in the second half during the NBA All Star Game between the Western Conference and the Eastern Conference at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

After changes to North Carolina’s controversial HB2, the Charlotte Hornets and the Queen City will reportedly be eligible to host the 2019 NBA All-Star Game.

According to Howard Beck of Bleacher Report, “Silver says Charlotte “will be eligible” to host 2019 NBA All-Star Game in light of recent changes to HB2.” This is encouraging news for basketball/ Charlotte Hornets fans in The Queen City after the 2017 game was moved to New Orleans because of HB2. Beck also added that “Silver says the NBA hopes that continuing to work with/in North Carolina will help in efforts to promote LGBT rights.”

Even though nothing is definite for 2019, Silver did say back in October of 2016 that “returning the All-Star game to Charlotte in 2019 is “a high priority.” (USAToday.com) That is far from a guarantee but it is encouraging. The Hornets lost the opportunity to host the game in 2017 so it would be nice for them to have the chance once again.

The team also released a statement regarding the new developments from Adam Silver. They said that “We are excited that the NBA has once again made the City of Charlotte eligible to host All-Star Weekend in 2019.” That is just the start and you can check out the full statement here.

More from Swarm and Sting

One of the most important parts was when they said that they “remain opposed to discrimination of any form.” There will always be an ongoing debate regarding HB2 but one thing that is clear is that the NBA wasn’t going to even consider bringing the All-Star Game back to Charlotte until a change was made.

Having the game in The Queen City would be huge. Charlotte and the Hornets have not hosted the NBA All-Star Game since 1991. A return to North Carolina is well overdue. Other cities will definitely be in contention for the 2019 game.

Until a decision is made regarding the 68th All-Star Game, there will be plenty of speculation over the potential host cities with Charlotte being at the forefront of the rumors.

Next: Kemba's On the Verge of History

It will be some time before a final choice is made but for the first time in a long time, the Hornets look like probable hosts of this historic NBA event.

Home/Hornets News