NBA announces the Phoenix Suns will host the All-Star Game in 2027

The NBA announced on Thursday that the Phoenix Suns would host the 2027 NBA All-Star Game. This would give owner Mat Ishbia a major event for the city around a year after he bought the team.

Phoenix will host the All-Star Game for the fourth time, and for the first time since 2009. In addition, the Suns hosted in 1975 and 1995.

“We think it`s one of the best basketball cities in the whole country,” Ishbia stated. “We’re excited for everyone to come, make it the hub for that weekend, and hopefully make it the most memorable All-Star weekend of all time.”

Ishbia agreed to buy the WNBA’s Suns and Phoenix Mercury from struggling Robert Sarver for about $4 billion in December 2022, and officially took over the reins a few months later. Ishbia approved a major move to sign Kevin Durant in his first few days as owner, endearing himself to fans for his big spending.

“Our NBA All-Star festivities in 2027 will showcase Phoenix’s love of everything basketball,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “And we couldn’t be more excited to work with Mat Ishbia and the entire Suns organization for what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of our sport.”

The NBA’s All-Star Weekend has been a cultural phenomenon for years, even as the game has become less and less competitive. On February 18, in Indianapolis, the Eastern Conference defeated the Western Conference 211-186, setting an all-star scoring record.

Nevertheless, the Suns took advantage of the opportunity to host a midseason showcase.

“It’s incredibly competitive — every city wants it,” Suns and Mercury CEO Josh Bartelstein said. “So we’re honored to have it. Now the work really starts.”

The 2025 All-Star Game will be held in San Francisco, and the 2026 All-Star Game will be held in Inglewood, California.

Phoenix is also home to the WNBA All-Star Game this summer.