Applications are multiplying to succeed Indianapolis, which will organize the All-Star in 2024. While Orlando recently positioned itself on the 2027 all-star game, and the two previous editions seemed promised in Milwaukee and Los Angeles, a new candidate of choice has just declared himself.
This is Phoenix, who will aim for the All-Star Game of the NBA but also of the WNBA. Both proposals will be on the agenda for the Phoenix City Council meeting next week.
“We do things differently in Phoenix, and the sports world has taken notice”Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said in a statement. “From our world-class facilities like the Footprint Center to our sustainable and innovative transportation options like light rail or Waymo driverless taxis, Phoenix has everything it takes to successfully stage a major event like the All-Stars. WNBA and NBA Games”.
Two events in the same city
The candidacy will be boosted by the more than encouraging sports results of the Suns since 2021 after more than a decade of sleep, and by the arrival of the new owner, Mat Ishbia, who would welcome this new spotlight on its franchises.
“We are thrilled to partner with the City of Phoenix to inspire the NBA and WNBA to bring both All-Star Games to the Valley”, did he declare. “Phoenix is one of the greatest basketball cities in the world and the perfect place to bring players and fans together to celebrate the sport. The Suns and the Mercury want to continue to find new and important ways to partner with the city to have a real impact on our community.”
Phoenix previously hosted the NBA All-Star Game in 1995 and 2009, when Shaquille O’Neal played for the Suns. He also shared the MVP trophy of the game with his former Lakers teammate, Kobe Bryant. The city must also host the NCAA Men’s Final Four in 2024 and Women’s in 2026.
The competition will be tough since with Los Angeles and Milwaukee, other cities would be working in the shadows like San Francisco and Atlanta as reported by USA Today journalist Jeff Zillgitt a year ago.
