In March, the North Carolina House of Representatives passed House Bill 2 (HB2), which opponents say removed several anti-discrimination measures which protected LGBT rights.

According to the law, transgender people are required to use restrooms corresponding to the sex on their birth certificates, applying only to bathrooms in Government buildings, schools and public universities.

Musicians Bruce Springsteen and Ringo Starr are among those to have cancelled concerts in the state in protest at the law, while the NBA have now opted to abandon North Carolina's largest city.

"Since March, when North Carolina enacted HB2 and the issue of legal protections for the LGBT community in Charlotte became prominent, the NBA and the Charlotte Hornets have been working diligently to foster constructive dialogue and try to effect positive change,” the NBA said in a statement.

“We have been guided in these discussions by the long-standing core values of our league.

“These include not only diversity, inclusion, fairness and respect for others but also the willingness to listen and consider opposing points of view.

"Our week-long schedule of All-Star events and activities is intended to be a global celebration of basketball, our league, and the values for which we stand, and to bring together all members of the NBA community - current and former players, league and team officials, business partners, and fans.

“While we recognise that the NBA cannot choose the law in every city, state, and country in which we do business, we do not believe we can successfully host our All-Star festivities in Charlotte in the climate created by HB2.”

The NBA have indicated they will decide on a replacement venue for the 2017 NBA All-Star Game in the coming weeks.

They also claimed they would look to bring the event back to Charlotte in 2019, should an appropriate resolution be reached.

The move has been supported by Casey Wasserman, whose sports marketing and talent management company represents several NBA players.

"The NBA showed the world that in sport and in practice we will not stand for inequality and discrimination,” said Wasserman, who is also the chairman of the Los Angeles 2024 bid for the Summer Olympic Games.

“The All-Star Game represents everything we as a nation love about basketball on and off the court -- diversity, sportsmanship and most of all a commitment to unite fans.

“With this decision today, the NBA protected that unity and demonstrated true leadership.

“We all applaud their inclusiveness and conviction."