The Boston Celtics are one of the most legendary franchises in NBA history and haven’t hosted an All-Star Game since 1964, a staggering six-decade absence.
Given Boston’s deep-rooted basketball tradition, recent team success, and growing push to bring the event back, the time has come for the NBA to return the All-Star Game to where it all began.
A Historic Basketball City Deserving of the Spotlight
Few cities can match Boston’s basketball pedigree. The very first NBA All-Star Game was played at the historic Boston Garden in 1951, cementing the city’s legacy in the league’s history. Despite this, Boston has hosted the event only four times, with the last occurring in 1964—before the three-point line even existed!
For a franchise with 17 NBA championships and a fan base as passionate as Boston’s, it’s shocking that the league has overlooked this iconic basketball city for so long.
The Celtics’ Success and Star Power Demand Recognition
Boston is no longer just a historic powerhouse; it’s also a modern-day contender. Fresh off their 2024 NBA Championship, the Celtics are led by superstar duo Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, both of whom are perennial All-Stars and faces of the league.
Hosting an All-Star Game in Boston would not only celebrate the Celtics’ resurgence but also give one of the NBA’s biggest markets a chance to showcase its star players on their home court.
The Celtics’ organisation is fully committed to bringing the All-Star Game back to Boston. In 2024, the team announced plans to bid for the 2029 NBA All-Star Game, with Celtics President Rich Gotham confirming ongoing efforts with city and state officials.
The infrastructure is in place, the city is eager, and the NBA has every reason to reward Boston’s dedication to the sport with its biggest midseason spectacle.
Boston is a major sports city with one of the NBA’s most engaged fan bases. Bringing the All-Star Game to TD Garden would create an electric atmosphere, and the event would deliver massive economic benefits to the city through tourism, local business revenue, and global exposure.
The success of the 2022 NBA Finals and the 2024 Championship Parade proved that Boston thrives under the national spotlight. Hosting the All-Star Game would be no different—it would be a first-class event in one of the most passionate basketball cities in the world.
It’s Time to Bring the NBA All-Star Game Back to Boston
With its rich history, recent success, committed organization, and dedicated fans, Boston has every reason to be the NBA’s next All-Star host. The league has rewarded other major markets in recent years—Chicago (2020), Cleveland (2022), and Indianapolis (2024).
The Celtics and their city are ready. Now, it’s up to the NBA to make it happen.
STORY BY SALIFU ZAKARI ZEBA
