Rockets preparing bid to host future NBA All-Star game

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The Rockets are preparing a bid to host either the 2020 or 2021 NBA All Star game and week-long All Star related events, a person with knowledge of the process said on Friday. The individual spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the private nature of the bid process.

The league recently sent teams information related to bids, opening the process to select host cities.

Bidding for the 2020 and 2021 games is expected to be made more competitive with new NBA venues in Sacramento and Detroit likely to be considered, especially if Sacramento can offer plans to provide enough hotel space. Indianapolis has also indicated interest.

Houston hosted the All Star game and related events in 2013 and 2006 in Toyota Center and the 1989 game in the Astrodome.

The 2013 game generated roughly $60 million in direct spending and close to $100 million in economic impact, according to estimates by the Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau.

The 2017 All Star game next month was moved from Charlotte to New Orleans because of the NBA objection to North Carolina House Bill-2, which limited anti-discrimination protections for lesbian, gay and transgender individuals in the state.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver has called taking the event to Charlotte in 2019 is "a high priority," pending changes to the North Carolina law that cost the city the 2017 All Star weekend, though there has been little movement on talks toward changing the law since.

TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 14: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets and the Western Conference handles the ball against John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards and the Eastern Conference in the first half during the NBA All-Star Game 2016 at the Air Canada Centre on February 14, 2016 in Toronto, Ontario. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. less TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 14: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets and the Western Conference handles the ball against John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards and the Eastern Conference in the first half during ... more Photo: Elsa, Getty Images Photo: Elsa, Getty Images Image 1 of / 6 Caption Close Rockets preparing bid to host future NBA All-Star game 1 / 6 Back to Gallery

The 2018 All Star game is scheduled for Staples Center in Los Angeles.