CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte is scheduled to host the 2019 NBA All-Star Game.
The league pulled 2017's All-Star event out of Charlotte because of House Bill 2 and it went to New Orleans instead.
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NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said deciding whether Charlotte would be eligible for the 2019 All-Star game wasn't an easy decision.
“For three decades, the NBA has had a home in Charlotte," Silver said. “We have decided to award NBA All-Star 2019 to Charlotte based on this deep connection and the belief that we can honor our shared values of equality and inclusion, and we are excited to bring the All-Star Game back to Charlotte."
Charlotte Hornets Chairman Michael Jordan released this statement:
“We are thrilled the league has awarded NBA All-Star 2019 to the city of Charlotte. We want to thank Commissioner Silver for his leadership throughout this process and for the decision to bring NBA All-Star back to Buzz City. All-Star Weekend is an international event that will provide a tremendous economic impact to our community while showcasing our city, our franchise and our passionate Hornets fan base to people around the world. We look forward to serving as hosts for NBA All-Star 2019 and welcoming all visitors and guests to Spectrum Center.”
North Carolina has repealed the "bathroom bill" and replaced it with a compromise law.
[PAST: North Carolina rolls back 'bathroom bill' despite criticism]
"Hosting the All-Star Game will pump millions of dollars into our economy and provide an incredible showcase for our state, but it will also remind us of the work that remains to ensure equal rights and protections for all North Carolinians," North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper said.
The city of Charlotte released this statement regarding the 2019 All-Star game:
“The city of Charlotte is excited to welcome the NBA All-Star Game to the Queen City in 2019. The NBA and its fans are known for their passion and enthusiasm, and we’re thrilled to build on their energy by showcasing all that Charlotte has to offer. We look forward to continued cooperation with our world-class partners, including the NBA, as we work together for a successful, enjoyable All-Star Game.”
The 2018 All-Star Game is already set for Los Angeles.
The announcement couldn't come soon enough for nearby businesses.
“We're very excited. We were very disappointed when it was taken away,” said Lauren Shoaf, of Fitzgerald’s Irish Pub in uptown Charlotte.
The All-Star Game's return is a chance to put the spotlight on Charlotte for a good reason.
“This gives us an opportunity to show off and showcase our community on a global stage,” said Hornets president Fred Whitfield.
For the game to return, the NBA rolled what it called “equality principles,” which include requirements that any partner business involved in the event not discriminate based on gender identity and let people use whichever restroom they want.
“Is this just lip service in order to appease people and show that the NBA wants to be committed, or are they actually committed?” said Matt Hirschy, of Equality N.C.
The rift that derailed the game earlier this year is now filled with skepticism.
This has been a two-year process of trying to bridge the gap.
“I think we all have a lot more work to do and a lot more work to do together,” Whitfield said.