In a statement, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver indeed denied that they were planning to move the next All-Star Game. This decision comes in the face of an ongoing, albeit slow moving, investigation into the LA Clippers. On that note, about a month ago the league announced an investigation into the Clippers. They are investigating potential violations of salary cap rules related to star player Kawhi Leonard.
Journalist Pablo Torre broke the story about the investigation. It focuses on a $28 million endorsement contract between Leonard and Aspiration Fund Adviser LLC, a California-based sustainability services firm. This firm has run into fiscal woes of its own, declaring bankruptcy earlier this year.
Silver underscored that the planning for the All-Star Game is a work in progress. The winners will be honored during the All-Star Weekend festivities at the newly opened Intuit Dome on February 15. The arena opened its doors for the first time in the 2024-25 season. It will play host to the All-Star Game and will showcase basketball during the 2028 Olympics scheduled for Los Angeles.
“There’s no contemplation of moving the All-Star Game,” – Adam Silver
In addition to confirming the event’s location, Silver stated that “planning for the All-Star Game and the surrounding activities are operating completely independently of the ongoing investigation.”
This year, the All-Star Game will implement a thrilling new format. For the first time, teams from the U.S. will compete head-to-head against an international team, making this year’s traditional event even more exciting. And with NBC as the home of that game, it guarantees tremendous visibility not just for the league, but its players.
Regardless of how this investigation plays out, the NBA must demonstrate that it is serious about enforcing its salary cap rules. We believe this pledge helps the league maintain integrity and fairness. So let’s get to the good stuff – fans can finally start getting pumped about an exciting All-Star weekend!
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