The NBA is nearing plans for the Phoenix Suns to host All-Star Weekend in 2027, the NBA announced Thursday. Phoenix was already set to host WNBA All-Star Weekend in 2024, and now, new owner Mat Ishbia of the Suns and Mercury will host an All-Star Weekend in both leagues within the next four years.
Notably, the last few All-Star Weekends in the NBA have been held in relatively small markets: Cleveland, Salt Lake City and Indianapolis. All three cities typically experience cold winters and aren’t especially ideal February destinations. A recent report from The Oklahoman, though, suggested that the league is attempting to steer All-Star Weekend toward certain markets. That report indicates that the NBA is now enforcing minimums on certain amenities for prospective All-Star markets, which must now have:
- At least 7,250 hotel rooms and three five-star hotels.
- At least 650,000 square feet of convention center and exhibition space.
- At least 75 nonstop domestic flights and at least 20 international flights.
The NBA has denied claims that there is…
