Charlotte Mayor Speaks out on Loss of NBA All-Star Game

CHARLOTTE, NC – We’re hearing from Charlotte Mayor Jennifer Roberts for the first time amid the NBA All-Star Game controversy.

Roberts says she’s extremely disappointed to lose the game and is again calling on lawmakers to make changes.

“It is the state law that is the problem. And we need to see changes, real changes in that state law,” Robert says.

The NBA pulled the All-Star Game, saying it doesn’t believe it can host All-Star festivities in Charlotte, given the climate created by HB 2.

Governor McCrory calls it a political move and says he wishes the NBA would wait for the law to be settled in court.

“They’re doing this based upon political correctness,” McCrory says.

But both sides know it means a huge economic loss.

“I feel kinda sad. I was really proud of like the city, like we’ve grown so much. To let it go over something this small, it’s kind of ridiculous,” says NBA fan Davi Neild.

She says it’s tough for fans and businesses stuck in the middle. “Now we’re losing all this. It’s just kinda sad, disappointing,” Neild says.

According to the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority, All-Star Weekend would have brought in an estimated $100 Million economic impact.

Compare that with other major events Charlotte has hosted like the Democratic National Convention at $164 Million, the CIAA Tournament at $47 million, and the ACC Football Championship at just under $31 Million.

For now, Roberts and fans say they hope something can be done so the NBA All-Star Game may be able to come in 2019.

“I am sincerely hopeful that we can all work together to move forward,” Roberts says.