The NBA decided to relocate the 2017 All-Star Game from Charlotte with the hope of rescheduling for 2019, due to the controversial HB2 law.
Officially known as The Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act, the state law which went into effect earlier this year restricts public restroom use to the sex listed on an individual's birth certificate. Critics claim the law discriminates against transgendered people. Supporters say it is about privacy and safety.
The game was expected to have an economic impact upwards of $100 million, but NBA commissioner Adam Silver said last month that the league is looking at other venues for the event.
The NBA released a statement addressing their decision to move the game Thursday afternoon.
Losing the All-Star Game is another blow to Charlotte, which lost hundreds of jobs when PayPal halted plans for expansion into the city.
Technology executives from companies such as Google, PayPal and Pinterest sent a letter to Silver earlier this month urging him to move the game if the HB2 law isn't changed.
Gov. Pat McCrory didn't express concern earlier this month for losing the game.
"I respect people's opinions on both sides of this issue. It's a complex issue which is going to be resolved in the courts," McCrory said.
Hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues are bracing for a loss of some much anticipated revenue. Sid Smith with the Charlotte Area Hotel Association told WSOC losing the game could put hotels in a pinch.
"We have to hold the rooms, so who knows what might be sellable or who knows, the All-Star game might be here," he said. "If they pull out, then we just have less time to try to fill those openings."
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