Albany, NY – Assemblymember Robert Carroll (D/WF-44) today announced the introduction of legislation that will enhance New York State’s ability to attract a wide range of sporting events by providing a sales tax exemption for purchases related to the organization and conduct of amateur and smaller events including those sponsored by federations recognized by the International Olympic or International Paralympic Committee. 

“This bill will help keep New York State competitive with other states in attracting amateur and smaller sporting events,” said Assemblymember Robert Carroll. “These events can be an important driver of economic development providing opportunities for businesses and jobs and boosting communities through economic activity such as restaurant and hotel business. The opening of the Milan Cortino Winter Olympics this week is a reminder of the power of sports to bring people together and my bill will not only have a positive impact in the short and medium term but also lay the groundwork should New York choose to pursue events such as the Olympic Games in the future.”

The legislation is tailored to exclude events under the auspices of professional for-profit sports leagues and organizations such as the MLB, NFL, and the NHL, as well as the World Cup. While some organizations sponsoring amateur events in New York may already have non-profit status, many do not and not all who do are able to access the full range of possible sales tax exemptions. 

Assemblymember Carroll has been a strong advocate for culture and sports in New York State. Most recently he penned with former Assemblymember Billy Jones an op-ed published in the Daily News “Bring the Winter Olympics to NYC & Lake Placid” and his legislation making Team USA athletes training for the Olympics in New York eligible for in-state tuition at SUNY and CUNY schools was signed into law by Governor Hochul this past November.