Charlotte could lose future chance of hosting NBA All-Star game

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The 2017 NBA All-Star game weekend will kick off in New Orleans, months after it was pulled from Charlotte because of House Bill 2.

Eyewitness News reporter DaShawn Brown looks at the looming deadline lawmakers are up against if Charlotte stands a chance of hosting the game in the future.

Officials made the announcement last summer that they were moving the game to New Orleans but said they would be willing to come back in 2019 if HB2 is repealed.

City Councilman James Mitchell fears that time is running out

“And quite frankly, the NBA has told us if it's not resolved by this summer, we will not be awarded the 2019 All-Star Game,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell has been in constant contact with league officials and state lawmakers, including as recently as this week. He is working to bring the game back, and said a full repeal isn't likely but he feels a compromise could be close.

“I think people are trying to say, ‘Let's both, the right and the left, move in the middle, and do what's best for North Carolina,’ and that's the discussion, why I'm so optimistic,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell said this chance could be the last for Charlotte if lawmakers don't reach a deal on HB2 soon.

“That's strike two,” Mitchell said. “There will not be a strike three, and it's unfortunate. The NBA means a lot to this community.”

The All-Star Game was expected to bring $100 million to Charlotte.

House Democrats introduced two new
bills Thursday to repeal HB2.

House Bill 78 and House Bill 82 would also add new anti-discrimination protections for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

Mitchell said he believes a deal to repeal HB2 could be reached by the end of this month.

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