While it’s been rumored for a good while now, it’s official that 2017 All-Star game will not be in Charlotte, North Carolina. The move by the NBA is all thanks to the state’s controversial anti-LGBT legislation known as House Bill 2. The bill forbids transgender individuals from using the bathroom for the gender they identify as, among other things.

Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical first reported the news, followed by an announcement from the NBA and the Charlotte Hornets.

The NBA issued the following statement today regarding the 2017 NBA All-Star Game pic.twitter.com/2yo1YDA2Un

— NBA (@NBA) July 21, 2016

ESPN is reporting that sources have told them that the NBA is reaching out to multiple cities to take the game over. Wojnarowski says New Orleans is now the league’s focus for a location, and Las Vegas is also being explored.

The league hopes to reschedule the game in the city by 2019, which leads us to assume that they hope the law is repealed by then.

Michael Jordan and the Hornets released a joint statement, which reads: “We understand the NBA’s decision and the challenges around holding the NBA All-Star Game in Charlotte this season. There was an exhaustive effort from all parties to keep the event in Charlotte, and we are disappointed we were unable to do so. With that said, we are pleased that the NBA opened the door for Charlotte to host All-Star Weekend again as soon as an opportunity was available in 2019. We want to thank the City of Charlotte and the business community for their backing throughout this entire process, starting with the initial bid. We are confident that they will be just as supportive and enthusiastic for the 2019 NBA All-Star Game.”

Until the law is repealed, this could be the first of many sporting events, among other activities, to be pulled from the state and one of the nation’s largest cities.

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NBA All-Star Game

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