The NBA is on the verge of finalizing plans for the Phoenix Suns to host All-Star Weekend in 2027, according to reports from The Athletic’s Shams Charania.

Phoenix had already been designated to host the WNBA All-Star Weekend in 2024. With new owner Mat Ishbia overseeing both the Suns and Mercury, the city is now set to be the host for All-Star Weekends in both the NBA and WNBA within the next four years.

It is noteworthy that recent NBA All-Star Weekends have been held in smaller markets like Cleveland, Salt Lake City, and Indianapolis. These cities typically face cold winters and may not be considered ideal February destinations. However, a recent report from The Oklahoman suggests that the NBA is actively steering All-Star Weekend toward specific markets.

The report indicates that the league is now imposing minimum requirements on certain amenities for potential All-Star host cities, ensuring they meet specific standards.

The criteria for hosting the NBA All-Star Game include a minimum of 7,250 hotel rooms, three five-star hotels, and at least 650,000 square feet of convention center and exhibition space. Additionally, the host city must have access to at least 75 nonstop domestic flights and a minimum of 20 international flights.

While the NBA refutes the existence of a rigid protocol for selecting All-Star destinations, upcoming games are slated for larger cities, with San Francisco and Los Angeles lined up for 2025 and 2026, respectively.

According to a report by Chris Haynes from Bleacher Report during All-Star Weekend, Milwaukee was planning to bid on hosting the All-Star Game in either 2027 or 2028. However, recent developments suggest that Milwaukee’s bid for 2027 is no longer on the table.

The future will reveal whether the NBA has indeed shifted its stance on smaller markets hosting All-Star Games. For now, the next three host cities are expected to be the kind of locations that attract players, media, and fans alike for major events.