Hours after NBA commissioner Adam Silver said there's yet to be any discussion in owners' meetings regarding relocating the 2017 All-Star Game from Charlotte, the league announced there's still a possibility the game is moved.
"During 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."
Silver acknowledged prior to the league's statement that there's a dilemma that comes with possibly moving the game, as the Hornets continue to operate in Charlotte and the league is not yet prepared to make an ultimatum regarding the game.
"The current state of the law is problematic for the league. But we're not making any announcements now. We can be most constructive by working with elected officials to affect change," Silver said.
The Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act passed a bill last month that requires transgender people to use the bathroom that aligns with the gender on their birth certificate, rather than that with which they identify, and also prohibits local governments from adopting or enforcing anti-discrimination policies not already contained in the state's anti-discrimination laws. Both the NBA and Hornets issued statements condemning the bill.
Atlanta city council lobbied the league to move the game from Charlotte to Atlanta last month.
