Skip to content

Report: New Orleans officials 'closing in' on 2017 All-Star weekend

Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports / Reuters

All signs point to New Orleans as the relocated venue for the 2017 All-Star festivities.

New Orleans officials are said to be "closing in" on a deal with the NBA, sources told Scott Kushner and Brett Dawson of the Advocate.

Final details are still being ironed out between the city and the league, but an announcement could be made early next week.

Charlotte was set to host the next All-Star weekend, but the league pulled the event two weeks ago in the wake of North Carolina's controversial HB2 law.

"Since March, when North Carolina enacted HB2 and the issue of legal protections for the LGBT community in Charlotte became prominent, the NBA and the Charlotte Hornets have been working diligently to foster constructive dialogue and try to effect positive change," according to a statement from the league.

"We have been guided in these discussions by the long-standing core values of our league. These include not only diversity, inclusion, fairness, and respect for others but also the willingness to listen and consider opposing points of view."

Four teams emerged as possible hosts after the league pulled the plug on Charlotte. In addition to New Orleans, reports suggested that Chicago, New York, and Las Vegas were also in consideration.

New Orleans last hosted the All-Star festivities in 2014. The local economic impact for that event was estimated at over $100 million.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox