Location of NBA ALL-Star Game 2017?
I would like
to share the possible relocation of NBA All-Star Game 2017 which is scheduled
to be in the state of North Carolina. The All-Star Festivities are scheduled to
be held February 17th thru the 19th of 2017 however a new
law passed recently call the HB2 Bill may change the shape of the event. The House
Bill 2 forces transgender people to use bathrooms in which they no longer
associate their gender. In addition, the law also directs government agencies
and colleges around in North Carolina to require multiple-occupancy bathroom
and locker rooms be used only by their biological sex from birth. As of right
now Adam Silver has not made plans to cancel the All-Star games however he has
hinted that there could be contingency planning in the works. Silver said “The current state of the law is problematic for
the NBA in North Carolina. The discussion [with team owners] was how can we be
most constructive in being a part of the process that results in the kind of
change that we think is necessary. That is where we find ourselves.” Silver
happens to be in an odd place due to the fact he does have a franchise in the
state. He believes rather than cancelling this location, why don’t we find a
solution to the problem".
In the mist
of this law it has already had its effect on events in the area. Bruce Springsteen,
an American musician, singer, songwriter, and humanitarian has cancelled his tour
dates in North Carolina due to the House Bill 2 Law. Companies such as PayPal
have cancelled its plan to open a new global operation center in Charlotte.
That cancellation cost North Carolina roughly 400 jobs. Nike is a sponsor of
the NBA All-Star Game and has been called upon to answer a few questions. Many
wonder if they support the law and Nike released a statement. “Nike strongly supports equality and
inclusion for all. We oppose laws that facilitate discrimination as they hurt
our employees, our customers, our business and society as a whole. We stand
with other businesses and organizations against discriminatory laws across the
country.” Pepsico is also a sponsor
of the NBA All-Star Weekend and many want both brands to back out of
sponsorship. Pepsico has been a new partner of the NBA after Coca-Cola ended
their 28-year partnership in 2015.
The
effect of the All-Star game can be huge. The hosting of the All-Star Game is a
bidding war. You have to present what exactly you can provide to make the event
a success in order for your team to win the bid. It does help to have Michael
Jordan and part owner of your club in order to help you land the deal. Being
that MJ is the highest selling sneaker line in history under Nike. The event
has been schedule for roughly a year and the logistics planned along with budgets
and venues secured. Hotels have been booked along with flights and rental cars
secured. NBA All-Star Logos have been designed as well as shirts and uniforms.
Advertising dollars have been spent and so forth.
I can say I agree with the commissioner
in holding off changing the location of the weekend because so much has gone
into planning such a huge event. I can not say I agree with the HB2 however a
logical solution should be made in hopes to getting things figured out.
Equality is something this country has fought hard for. Being an African
American it can be a touchy subject however it is reality in the south to have
discrimination. There is a lot of prejudges in southern states still to this
day. It is just how it is but it is hard to except. Chang is not always what
people want to hear or see. The alternate solution would be to hold the
All-Star game in Atlanta Ga. Atlanta has offered to be a contingency plan for
the NBA. It is roughly 6 hours from NC and could be back-up plan. Atlanta is a
big city and could accommodate the NBA crowd.
