CLT Chamber: 2017 All-Star Games to remain in Charlotte for now
CHARLOTTE, NC (WJZY) - The NBA has decided to keep the 2017 All-Star Games in Charlotte, according to the Charlotte Chamber.
Charlotte Chamber released the following statement on the decision:
"We appreciate and are grateful for the NBA's decision to keep the All Star game in Charlotte. We recognize that they, and others, have an expectation that more work needs to be done. Therefore we continue to encourage our representative leadership at all levels to continue to engage in efforts to assure our citizens that they will have the ability to defend their rights related to discrimination in all forms."
Charlotte Mayor released the following statement on the decision:
"We appreciate the support of the NBA for its belief in the people of Charlotte and North Carolina. Charlotte shares the NBA’s commitment to equal rights for all and we look forward to working with the NBA and with all of our partners toward constructive change. The NBA and its fans should know that everybody is Always Welcome in Charlotte! We are honored to host this exciting event, and working hand in hand with the NBA, we will do all we can to make this the most successful All-Star Game ever!"
CRVA CEO Tom Murray:
“We are pleased the NBA continues to put its trust in Charlotte and won’t be moving the 2017 NBA All-Star Game at this time. It is the single largest event both Charlotte and the state of North Carolina have hosted since the 2012 Democratic National Convention and has sizable and positive economic impact attached to it as well as substantial worldwide exposure.
We will remain in close communication with our clients and visitors to ensure they always feel welcome in our city. We’ll also continue to work hard on the NBA All-Star Game event preparations alongside supportive partners such as the Hornets and the local organizing committee to make this a huge economic success for our city.”
Mike Bass, Executive Vice President, Communications Statement:
"During a media availability earlier today following the NBA's Board of Governors meeting, Commissioner Adam Silver clarified that the NBA remains deeply concerned about its ability to successfully host the 2017 All-Star Game in Charlotte, North Carolina, in light of recent legislation that discriminates against the LGBT community. At no time did Adam affirm that the league would not move the All-Star Game; rather he stressed repeatedly that the legislation is problematic, that we feel it is best to engage with the community to work towards a solution, that change is needed and we are hopeful that it will occur."
NBA owners met in New York to talk about the fate of the All-Star games in Charlotte next year.
Its future has been cloudy since Governor McCrory signed House Bill 2.
Silver previously told media that he doesn't know what impact the bill will have on the league's ability to successfully host the event.
A handful of U.S. senators have even called for the game to be removed.