Report: NBA chooses New Orleans for 2017 All-Star Game

NEW ORLEANS -- A person familiar with the decision tells The Associated Press that the NBA has decided to hold the 2017 All-Star Game in New Orleans.

The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Friday because the decision hasn't been announced. New Orleans replaces Charlotte, which was set to host the game until the NBA decided last month that it wouldn't hold its marquee, mid-season event in North Carolina because of a state law that limits anti-discrimination protections for lesbian, gay and transgender people.

Unlike several other Southern states, Louisiana has not been swept up in legislative efforts to pass laws similar to that in North Carolina -- a fact Gov. John Bel Edwards has touted while lobbying the NBA to bring its All-Star weekend to New Orleans for a third time.