Cleveland to Bid For 2018 NBA All-Star Game

The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission have officially submitted a bid to host the 2018 NBA All-Star Game.

The bid was confirmed to Northeast Ohio Media Group (NOMG) by Cavaliers Chief Executive Officer Len Komoroski and President and CEO of the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission David Gilbert.

The city is due to host several events in the coming years, with the regional semifinals and finals of the 2015 NCAA basketball tournament in March being held in Cleveland for the first time as well as being awarded the Republican National Convention in 2016.

The return of NBA star Lebron James to Cleveland could help boost the city’s bid.

Komoroski told NEOMG: “You can just sense the momentum in this town.

“There’s incredible pride and enthusiasm. Having major events at The Q of this magnitude and being able to handle them is a defining point for our community. It shows we are ready and capable at the highest level.”

The 2015 NBA All-Star Game will be hosted in New York, followed by Toronto in 2016, with vacant slots currently in 2017 and 2018.

According to Gilbert, the city of Cleveland would experience an economic impact of approximately $100 million from the game.

Cleveland last staged an All-Star Game in 1997, but facilities and infrastructure has improved drastically over the last 17 years which puts the city in a better position to host it again soon.

“We’re 100 percent sure we can host All-Star Weekend. We hope the NBA recognizes that this is a new city with new energy and a new attitude,” Gilbert said. “This city is ready for prime time.”

“This is a major shift to our entire image,” Komoroski said.

“We’re changing the narrative of Cleveland nationally and internationally. The All-Star Game would be a great opportunity to showcase our community to the world. This is truly a destination city.”

Cleveland are immediately in competition with the Portland Trail Blazers and Charlotte Hornets who have already placed bids for 2018.