"Phoenix is one of the great sports and entertainment destinations, so it is only natural that it will once again become the basketball capital of the world," Stern said in a statement.

The 58th All-Star game will be played on February 15, 2009, at the U.S. Airways Center, home of the Phoenix Suns. Phoenix also hosted the annual event in 1975 and 1995.

New Orleans will host the All-Star game in 2008.

(Reporting by Steve Ginsburg in Washington; editing by Rex Gowar)