NCAA Seeking Tax Exemption From Indiana For Final Four

NCAA Seeking Tax Exemption For Final Fours In Indianapolis

The NCAA, which has "promised" Division I men's and women's basketball Final Fours in Indianapolis once every five years through 2039, wants "freedom from paying any state or local taxes associated with the event," according to John Ketzenberger of the INDIANAPOLIS STAR. If the proposed bill granting the NCAA its wishes becomes law, "no one knows how much tax revenue the state and city will lose." A fiscal analysis prepared by the Legislative Services Agency reported it is "indeterminable." NCAA Dir of Public & Media Relations Erik Christianson said that the NCAA, which avoids sales tax as a nonprofit organization, expects it would "save $300,000 with the exemption." Indiana state Sen. Luke Kenley said that an amendment to the bill was "put in at the city's request," but added that the NCAA "wants to change that agreement." Indianapolis lobbyist Joe Loftus said that the city has a "favored status in the bid process," for Final Fours but that it "must meet all of the criteria." Loftus said of the Final Fours, "They're ours to give away if we're not competitive" (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 3/2).