The NBA has pulled the 2017 All-Star game from Charlotte over North Carolina's controversial House Bill 2, which prohibits local jurisdictions from setting rules allowing transgender people to use the bathroom of their choice.

The NBA yanked the Feb. 19 game from Charlotte, and is focused on making New Orleans the new host city instead.

Other cities are reportedly interested in hosting the 2017 game. New Orleans hosted the All-Star game in 2008 and 2014.

Since Republican Gov. Pat McCrory signed House Bill 2 into law, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has been critical of its provisions. The bill was passed in a one-day special legislative session and signed by McCrory later that night.

In Las Vegas this month, Silver said the NBA was not ready to make a decision, but realized "the calendar is not our friend here."

"The question for us becomes in this situation, given the controversy, given the amount of discussion, given how hardened the views are there, is this the place we should be in February 2017 as the epicenter of global basketball where we can go and celebrate our game and our values?" Silver told reporters at the conclusion of the owners-only meeting in Las Vegas.

In a statement, the Charlotte Hornets and Chairman Michael Jordan said they were "disappointed" the city couldn't keep the All-Star game.

"We understand the NBA's decision and the challenges around holding the NBA All-Star Game in Charlotte this season," he said. "There was an exhaustive effort from all parties to keep the event in Charlotte, and we are disappointed we were unable to do so. With that said, we are pleased that the NBA opened the door for Charlotte to host All-Star Weekend again as soon as an opportunity was available in 2019."