Charlotte Eligible to Host 2019 All-Star Game After Repeal and Replacement of HB2

Last month, a North Carolina governor signed a bill to repeal and replace the controversial bathroom law which prevented transgender individuals from using the bathroom of their choosing.

Now, in the wake of the replacement bill, many organizations are reconsidering business in the state, after previously pulling it due to the House Bill 2. On Friday, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver revealed that with the state’s repeal and replacement, Charlotte would be eligible to host the 2019 All-Star Game.

Initially, the game was scheduled to go down in Charlotte this year. However, the league yanked it in light of the bathroom bill. According to reports, the event would have brought in a whopping $100 million, adding to over $3.76 billion over the years in lost of business.

“It’s not a done deal yet,” Silver said. “The most recent change in the law does not mean the fundamental issues are resolved. But after considering all points of view, we determined that Charlotte will be eligible to host” the game, although the decision was “not an easy” one to make. However, before the final decision is made, several businesses, including hotels and host sites, will have to abide by a new anti-discrimination policy prior to Charlotte’s confirmation.

“We believe that an All-Star Game in Charlotte could be a powerful way to display our values of equality and inclusion,” the commissioner said, showing support of the LGBT community. “Ultimately I believe changing attitudes and not just laws are what will lead to that result.”

As the NBA makes strides with North Carolina, other states and LGBT advocates are still opposed to the new bill, as it still holds restrictions against the LGBT community. However, Silver said he is proud of the leagues stern objection of the previous bill and happy that the league is able to compromise with the state, in light of the new bill.

“I’m proud of the league’s stance on opposing HB2 and announcing that we were on going to play the All-Star Game under those circumstances. And I’m also proud that we’re going back,” he said. “I think we can be a force for change. As I said, I understand that there is a segment of our fan base that believes that the change from HB2 to the new law is not enough, but it is changing. It’s incremental change. We were part of the movement, pushing for that change. It’s not everything we could have hoped for, but we’re prepared to go back.”

In the meantime, All-Star weekend is heading to the West Coast in 2018.