NEW YORK, N.Y. — Charlotte is eligible for the 2019 All-Star Game, NBA commissioner Adam Silver said Friday afternoon. The announcement comes a week after North Carolina repealed its controversial transgender bathroom law, House Bill 2.
The league pulled this year's All-Star event out of Charlotte and it went to New Orleans instead.
Commissioner Adam Silver said decided whether Charlotte would be eligible for the 2019 All-Star game wasn't an easy decision. He said the league will make sure Charlotte meets requirements when it comes to non-discrimination.
"We will need to ensure our events can proceed with open access and anti-discrimination policies and that we can extend those policies to the venues, hotels and businesses," Silver said.
North Carolina has repealed the "bathroom bill" and replaced it with a compromise law.
[PAST: North Carolina rolls back 'bathroom bill' despite criticism]
The NBA said it will be developing an anti-discrimination policy and asking all of its partners to sign it.
Silver said if Charlotte meets all of the requirements for the event, it's the league's expectation the All-Star Game will be held in the Queen City. Those requirements would need to be met within the next month, according to Silver.
The NCAA said Tuesday it would again consider the state as a host for championship events.
The 2018 All-Star Game is already set for Los Angeles.
Charlotte Hornets full statement regarding 2019 All-Star Game eligibility:
“We are excited that the NBA has once again made the City of Charlotte eligible to host All-Star Weekend in 2019. We look forward to resuming our discussions with the league on the next steps regarding this international event. We know that our city, our fans and our business community remain extremely enthusiastic in support of hosting NBA All-Star Weekend.
Additionally, as stewards of Spectrum Center, we are pleased that the NCAA and ACC have chosen to allow previously-scheduled tournament games to remain in our arena and to allow us be considered for future events. Whether it is sporting events, concerts or family shows, Hornets Sports & Entertainment remains committed to providing the best possible entertainment to our city and takes great pride in the fact that Spectrum Center serves as an economic engine for Charlotte.
The Charlotte Hornets and Hornets Sports & Entertainment remain opposed to discrimination of any form. As we always have, we will continue to provide an inclusive environment for anyone attending an event at Spectrum Center.”
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