The NBA has decided to move its 2017 All-Star Game out of Charlotte, North Carolina, after the state neglected to change a controversial law requiring transgender individuals use the bathroom that corresponds to their biological sex, The Vertical reports. Earlier this year, North Carolina passed its controversial House Bill 2, which prompted league commissioner Adam Silver in April to threaten to relocate the game after calling the law "problematic."
The All-Star Game comprises a full weekend of activities that bring the NBA's biggest stars and brightest upcoming talents to one city, generally resulting in a boon for tourism and business. The NBA had held off on moving the game despite the fact that North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory (R) signed the law back in March, with Silver hoping state lawmakers would "do the right thing" in due time.
With no action by North Carolina legislators to change the law and only roughly seven months until the game, which tips off Sunday, Feb. 19, 2017, the league has reportedly decided to move the All-Star festivities because it must begin finalizing the logistics of the weekend. The NBA is reportedly leaning most heavily toward reolocating to the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, though other cities are lobbying for the chance to host the weekend. Read more at The Vertical.