In response to North Carolina legislature's decision to pass a law reversing an ordinance extending rights to gay and transgender people, the NBA decided to relocate the 2017 All-Star Game from Charlotte to New Orleans last summer. Now, following the announcement of a repeal of the controversial "Bathroom Bill," the league has decided to re-award the game to Charlotte.
Today, the NBA announced that Charlotte will host the All-Star Game in 2019. Though there's still work to do to eliminate all remnants of the bill, the league believes positive steps have been taken.
"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," NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement.
Michael Jordan, owner of the Hornets, spoke out against the bill last April.
“As my organization has stated previously, the Charlotte Hornets and Hornets Sports & Entertainment are opposed to discrimination in any form, and we have always sought to provide an inclusive environment,” said Jordan.
Now, with a second opportunity to play host, Jordan commented on today's announcement.