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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