The NBA awarded the 2019 All-Star Game to Charlotte in response to North Carolina rolling back HB2.

Charlotte will host the 2019 NBA All-Star Game.

The league announced today the weekend of events will be held at Spectrum Center on Feb. 17, 2019, two years after the NBA removed the showcase because of concerns over HB2, a state law that required people to use public restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to the gender denoted on their birth certificate.

“For three decades, the NBA has had a home in Charlotte,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “Generations of families have attended games there, and fans from many different walks of life have come together to share a passion for a team that is an anchor in the community.

“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 for the first time in 28 years.”

LGBT and civil rights groups criticized the law, which was passed last year by the Republican-controlled General Assembly and signed by then-governor Pat McCrory to block Charlotte’s anti-bias ordinance.

“We are thrilled the league has awarded NBA All-Star 2019 to the city of Charlotte," Hornets owner Michael Jordan said. "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.”

HB2 was repealed in March, paving the way for the city and NBA to strike a deal to return the basketball showcase to Charlotte for the first time since 1991.

“The City of Charlotte is excited to welcome the NBA All-Star Game to the Queen City in 2019,” Charlotte marketing director Sandy D'Elosua Vastola said in a statement. “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.”

Although HB2 had its critics, social conservatives supported the law as protection against sexual predators. Businesses – including Apple and PayPal – responded by scratching projects scheduled for North Carolina. Entertainers and sports leagues, including the Atlantic Coast Conference, CIAA and NCAA pulled championship events out of the state. Those leagues have voted to return to North Carolina with HB2’s rollback.

“While we understand the concerns of those who say the repeal of HB2 did not go far enough, we believe the recent legislation eliminates the most egregious aspects of the prior law,” said Silver, who convinced league owners to remove the 2017 event from Charlotte. “Additionally, it allows us to work with the leadership of the Hornets organization to apply a set of equality principles to ensure that every All-Star event will proceed with open access and anti-discrimination policies. All venues, hotels and businesses we work with during All-Star will adhere to these policies as well. 

“Sports have a long history of helping to change attitudes around important social issues. We believe holding our All-Star activities in Charlotte will be a powerful way for the NBA to continue this tradition.”

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