The NBA is nearing plans for the Phoenix Suns to host All-Star Weekend in 2027, the NBA introduced Thursday. Phoenix was already set to host WNBA All-Star Weekend in 2024, and now, new proprietor Mat Ishbia of the Suns and Mercury will host an All-Star Weekend in each leagues throughout the subsequent 4 years.
Notably, the previous couple of All-Star Weekends within the NBA have been held in comparatively small markets: Cleveland, Salt Lake Metropolis and Indianapolis. All three cities sometimes expertise chilly winters and are not particularly preferrred February locations. A latest report from The Oklahoman, although, prompt that the league is trying to steer All-Star Weekend towards sure markets. That report signifies that the NBA is now imposing minimums on sure facilities for potential All-Star markets, which should now have:
- At the least 7,250 lodge rooms and three five-star motels.
- At the least 650,000 sq. ft of conference heart and exhibition area.
- At the least 75 nonstop home flights and a minimum of 20 worldwide flights.
The NBA has denied claims that there’s an ironclad protocol for selecting All-Star locations, and Sports activities Enterprise Journal reported that smaller markets can bid for All-Star Weekends as long as different parameters are met. The following handful of All-Star locations are in larger cities, as San Francisco and Los Angeles are set to host in 2025 and 2026, respectively.
Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes reported throughout All-Star Weekend that Milwaukee was planning to bid on both the 2027 or 2028 sport, however now, 2027 a minimum of is off of the board.
Solely time will inform if the NBA has really moved away from smaller markets internet hosting All-Star Video games, however a minimum of the subsequent three shall be held within the type of cities that gamers, media and followers alike are likely to want to flock to for main occasions.
