Atlantic Coast Conference

The North Carolina Sports Association estimated the state risked more than $250 million in economic impact if event bids submitted to the NCAA are declined.

Lawmakers want to challenge the status of the NCAA and Atlantic Coast Conference because they removed championships from the state over an anti-LGBTQ law.

North Carolina lost 17 NCAA and ACC events during the current academic year because of the law.

A statewide association told lawmakers “our state’s sports tourism industry will suffer crushing, long-term losses and will essentially close its doors to NCAA business.”

“If it’s repealed I think I know what the answer would be with our presidents,” the commissioner said. “If it’s an adjustment and a partial repeal… I don’t know.”

While the league “reaffirmed their resolute opposition to legislation that discriminates against any individual,” the conference is standing pat.

If McCrory wins re-election, it will be in face of some of America’s biggest household names.

Sen. Rick Gunn said he’s concerned about the effect House Bill 2 is having on the state and the region he represents.