After the 74th All-Star Weekend in San Francisco wrapped up, Evan Sidery of Forbes reported that Boston is one of four cities under consideration to host All-Star Weekend in 2028. Sidery also mentioned Orlando, Atlanta, and Milwaukee as possible host cities. He noted the league is expected to make an official announcement this summer. Notably, Los Angeles and Phoenix are set to host All-Star Weekend in 2026 and 2027. Let’s explore the possibility of Boston hosting All-Star Weekend in 2028.
Cities reportedly in consideration to host 2028 NBA All-Star Weekend:
Atlanta
Boston
Milwaukee
OrlandoAn official announcement is expected to be made this summer. pic.twitter.com/Ae1JGlCyKG
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) February 17, 2025
Boston Aiming to Host All-Star Weekend, Jaylen Brown Endorses Idea
Despite being one of the league’s most historic and accomplished franchises, Boston hasn’t hosted an All-Star Weekend since 1964. A 61-year drought feels far too long for such an iconic franchise. Moreover, as a big market city, Boston is capable of accommodating All-Star weekend. Boston previously put in a bid for the 2026 All-Star Weekend. Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe reported that Boston’s bid to host an All-Star Game is still very much alive despite the upcoming ownership change. Getting this confirmation alongside Sidery’s report bodes well for the possibility of Boston hosting All-Star Weekend. Overall, Boston hosting All-Star Weekend feels beneficial for all parties.
Orlando last hosted All-Star Weekend in 2012, and Atlanta did in 2021. While these cities have the advantage of warmer weather, Boston could win the bid, considering how long it’s been since they’ve last hosted. Milwaukee hasn’t hosted an All-Star weekend since 1977; however, as a smaller market, it would be difficult for the city to host such a large-scale event. Regardless, the league reportedly promised Milwaukee that they would host an All-Star Weekend after they built Fiserv Forum in 2018, so they can’t be ruled out.
Jaylen Brown’s Comments
After Sunday’s All-Star Game concluded, Celtics star Jaylen Brown excitedly commented on the possibility of Boston hosting All-Star Weekend and how the Chase Center felt empty.
.@GwashburnGlobe asks Jaylen Brown if he thinks the All-Star game should come to Boston:
“They got the craziest fans in the world in Boston … it kinda seemed like it was a little empty in here tonight. I don’t think in Boston that would happen.”
📺 FULL Interview:… pic.twitter.com/yPQofvzzJg
— Celtics on CLNS (@CelticsCLNS) February 17, 2025
Brown is spot-on with his comments. Boston is a sports-crazed city, and they would certainly pack the house for the All-Star Game, especially since they haven’t hosted the event in so long. It would be interesting to see if Brown would return to the Dunk Contest if Boston hosted. In addition to the absurd number of breaks, Sunday’s All-Star Game was criticized for having an underwhelming crowd. To Brown’s point, this wouldn’t happen in Boston.
The NBA is always looking to tweak All-Star Weekend, whether it be the game itself or replacing some events. The possibility of new events such as a one-on-one tournament, fewer commercials, and more star participation in the dunk contest, combined with Boston’s passionate fans, could make the 2028 All-Star Weekend one to remember. However, we still have to wait for the official announcement to see which city will host All-Star Weekend in 2028.
Photo credit: © Eric Canha-Imagn Images
