The NCAA will not move the men's Final Four out of Houston, according to a statement to Outsports from Dan Gavitt, vice president of men's basketball championships. The city voted just 12 hours ago to end any discrimination protection for LGBT people, and the NCAA has already decided that isn't enough to warrant a change of venue.
"The NCAA remains committed to hosting the Final Four and its many fan-related events in Houston so they are open and accessible for all," Gavitt told Outsports in a statement. "The NCAA has no plans to move the 2016 Final Four, as it takes years to plan and implement this world-class event. We will continue our work with the Houston Local Organizing Committee to provide an inclusive environment for the student-athletes competing in and visitors attending our games and events in April.
"This vote, however, could impact the NCAA returning to Houston for a future Final Four. There are many factors in a thorough bid process that the NCAA considers when determining what cities will host the Final Four, including but not limited to local, city and state laws and ordinances."
To be clear, this is the same situation Indiana found itself in eight months ago when the state was forced to "fix" its new pro-discrimination policy ahead of the 2015 men's Final Four.
If a hurricane hit Houston tomorrow and destroyed the venue, the NCAA could move the event. They are choosing not to.
