Miami is preparing to welcome back the big stars of American basketball: the NBA has chosen the city in southern Florida as the host for the 2028 All-Star Game, according to information released this Monday, although the official announcement from the league has yet to be made.
The news was revealed by the agency Associated Press (AP), which cited a person with knowledge of the preparations, although the source spoke on the condition of anonymity because neither the NBA nor the local organizers have publicly disclosed the details of the agreement.
If confirmed, Miami will host the All-Star Game for the first time since 1990, ending a 38-year absence from one of the most significant events on the NBA calendar.
The league plans to make a presentation on November 30, which will include NBA commissioner Adam Silver and Micky Arison, chairman of the board and governor of the Miami Heat, along with other representatives from the organization.
According to the source consulted by AP, Miami was selected several months ago and the main agreements have already been finalized. The event's logo is said to have been approved, and much of the logistical planning is underway. However, the announcement date may still be subject to change.
The celebration of the All-Star Game could provide a boost for tourism, hospitality, and business activities in South Florida.
The event brings together players, fans, league representatives, and media over several days, in addition to the sports and promotional activities that accompany the main match.
The return also poses logistical challenges. One of the reasons that had made it difficult for Miami to host the event again was the usual overlap of dates with the Miami International Boat Show, an exhibition that attracts numerous visitors during February.
The overlap of dates and the difficulties in accommodating visitors had been significant obstacles to the event's return to Miami.
For years, it was believed that the availability of hotel rooms and event spaces could be insufficient to hold both meetings simultaneously.
The preliminary plans include that some activities in 2028 may be held at the University of Miami's indoor stadium, although the facilities that will be used and the exact dates of the schedule have not yet been officially confirmed.
The last edition held in Miami took place on February 11, 1990, at the now-defunct Miami Arena.
That night, the Eastern Conference team defeated the West 130-113, and Magic Johnson was named the Most Valuable Player of the game, according to the historical records of the NBA.
The possible return also holds special significance for the followers of the Miami Heat, the team with which LeBron James won his first two NBA championships, in 2012 and 2013, during the four seasons he played in the city.
James, who signed a two-year contract with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2026, could participate in the matchup if he remains active during the 2027-2028 season and is selected. However, his presence is not guaranteed.
Before the scheduled appointment in Miami, Phoenix will be the official host of the 2027 All-Star Game, set to take place from February 19 to 21, with the main game on Sunday the 21st.
Miami already has recent experience in organizing international sports competitions. In March 2023, the loanDepot park hosted the final of the World Baseball Classic, where Japan defeated the United States 3-2, claiming its third title in the tournament.
A year later, on July 14, 2024, the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens hosted the final of the Copa América between Argentina and Colombia.
The Argentine team won 1-0 in a match that started with a significant delay due to incidents reported at the stadium entrances.
Automobile racing has also taken center stage in the area. Miami Gardens hosts the Miami Grand Prix of Formula 1, held since 2022 on a circuit built around the Hard Rock Stadium.
In the May 2026 edition, Italian Andrea Kimi Antonelli from Mercedes claimed victory.
More recently, the same stadium hosted seven matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including the third place match between England and France, held on July 18, which ended with an English victory of 6-4.
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