NCAA to consider championship events in N.C. after HB2 repeal

The NCAA Board of Governors has changed its stance on hosting championship events in the state of North Carolina following the recent repeal of HB2 - which limited protections for LGBT individuals - the organization announced in a release.

While the board was hoping for a full repeal, the new compromised bill does meet the minimum requirements by the NCAA to consider sites in North Carolina.

"While the new law meets the minimal NCAA requirements, the board remains concerned that some may perceive North Carolina’s moratorium against affording opportunities for communities to extend basic civil rights as a signal that discriminatory behavior is permitted and acceptable, which is inconsistent with the NCAA Bylaws," the NCAA wrote.

"However, we recognize the quality championships hosted by the people of North Carolina in years before HB2. And this new law restores the state to that legal landscape: a landscape similar to other jurisdictions presently hosting NCAA championships."

Related: ACC to consider title games in North Carolina again after HB2 repeal

A majority of the board reluctantly voted in favor of considering North Carolina as a suitable host.

"We are actively determining site selections, and this new law has minimally achieved a situation where we believe NCAA championships may be conducted in a nondiscriminatory environment. If we find that our expectations of a discrimination-free environment are not met, we will not hesitate to take necessary action at any time."

The NCAA announced in September 2016 it had moved opening-round games from this year's NCAA tournament from Greensboro, N.C., to Greenville, S.C., along with moving six other events out of state.