The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association are engaged in discussions about possibility holding an All-Star Game in early March, with Atlanta targeted as the host city, ESPN reported on Monday.
The NBA canceled its traditional All-Star Weekend, which had been scheduled for Indianapolis in February, because of the COVID-19 pandemic. But the sides are discussing moving the game, along with scaled down All-Star Weekend events, to Atlanta on March 7.
The NBA¡¯s midseason break is March 5-10.
The game could be held at the Hawks¡¯ State Farm Arena or at one of the city¡¯s historically black colleges and universities¡¯ (HBCU) campus gyms.
NBPA president Chris Paul of the Phoenix Suns supports the idea, which would feature HBCUs and provide COVID-19 relief funding.
Holding an All-Star Game would be a massive undertaking. Atlanta-based Turner Sports could televise the game. But the game would still require a significant effort to coordinate travel arrangements for players, staff and officials during a time of uncertainty. The game also wouldn¡¯t include hosting any sponsors and attendance would be extremely limited, if fans are permitted to attend at all.
The NBA awarded Indianapolis the 2024 All-Star Weekend after it was canceled this year.
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