• Loading stock data...
Monday, October 13, 2025

Fans Ignore NBA’s Plea to Watch ASG from Home

  • The NBA and Atlanta Mayor have asked fans to not travel to the city or go to All-Star Game events this weekend.
  • Many fans, from all indications, are ignoring those requests.
Photo: Jason Getz-USA TODAY/Design: Alex Brooks

The NBA is finding out that when it comes to the All-Star Game, you can’t have it both ways.

The league stated that Sunday’s star-studded game is a TV event, there will be no NBA-sanctioned events open to the public, and that fans should not travel to Atlanta. That request is falling on deaf ears. 

A search on Eventbrite for “All-Star Game Party” turns up around 700 events this weekend in Atlanta. The NBA sent over 100 cease-and-desist letters to event promoters using its name and logo.

The numerous gatherings are in direct opposition to Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms’ statement telling nightlife establishments “not to host events in the city related to this game.”

The weekend has also put Mayor Bottoms at odds with local businesses hoping for a surge of customers after a challenging year.

Todd Schneider, whose company owns a Ferris wheel in Atlanta, told Bloomberg that he was excited to have the game coming to his city. “Next I hear the mayor say, ‘But don’t come.’ That’s painful,” he said.

A number of NBA players were publicly unenthusiastic about health risks the game could present to players and fans — though those grumbles have faded in recent weeks, and the league is implementing extensive health and safety protocols.

One sure winner of the game will be its broadcaster, TNT, which could take in around $24 million in ad and sponsorship deals, by one estimate.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Mar 5, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; A view of the NBA logo and NBA app logo and basketballs in front of the base during warms up before the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Suns at the American Airlines Center.

NBA Will Take Over League Pass After WBD Divorce

The league now has full operational control of those media assets.
Feb 4, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) and Toronto Raptors forward Jonathon Mogbo (2) chase after a loose ball during the second half at Scotiabank Arena.

Knicks, Raptors Agree to Drop Suit Over ‘Mole’ Accused of Stealing

The Knicks had sought more than $10 million in damages.
Dec 23, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; A view of the NBA logo and Portland Trail Blazers logo before the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Trail Blazers at the American Airlines Center.

NBA Reopens Doors in China—and Eyes the WNBA Next

The Mavericks and Rockets are set to play games in Macao next year.
Sep 29, 2025; Inglewood, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) poses during media day at Intuit Dome
opinion

Clippers’ Aspiration Fiasco Recalls Another Doomed NBA Sponsorship

The Kawhi controversy has shades of the still-recent FTX scandal.

Featured Today

Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) celebrates with her teammates after her last second shot to take the lead 90-88 against the Phoenix Mercury in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 8, 2025.
exclusive

Standoff Over WNBA’s Future Has Dominated Finals

CBA negotiations have stolen the spotlight from the Aces’ dominant performance.
Paul Cartier
October 5, 2025

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Sponsored

Game the Green: Transforming Fan Experiences at TPC Sawgrass

As fans gather at THE PLAYERS Championship, Comcast Business will be keeping spectators and the PGA TOUR connected like never before.
Sponsored

How Sportradar and the NBA Are Shaping the Future of Immersive Fan..

By transforming raw data into tailored, interactive content, Sportradar helps turn the NBA’s enormous fanbase into active participants.
February 3, 2025

Super Bowl Ticket Prices Crash As Hotel Rooms See Historic Rate Hike

Prices sink by about 30%, due in part to a lodging crunch.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
October 8, 2024

NBA GMs Rank Salary-Cap Apron As Rule That Needs to Change Most

Schedule changes finished second with 17% of the vote.
Sponsored

Trend Report: Chiefs-Chargers, Tobacco Road Rivalry, Nebraska Sellout Streak

According to data from TickPick, some games this week will prove to be wallet-busters, climbing into the four figures.
September 8, 2024

US Open Breaks Attendance Record

Top-seeded Jannik Sinner beat No. 12 Taylor Fritz in straight sets Sunday.
Sponsored

Mastercard’s Foodies & Fairways: Where Golf Meets Gourmet at the TOUR Championship

This year’s TOUR Championship in Atlanta isn’t just about world-class golf—it’s also a celebration of local flavors.