Bill > S09143

This bill establishes the "Empire State Sports and Entertainment Fund" to create financial incentives aimed at attracting sports and entertainment events to New York State, with a particular focus on boosting economic development in upstate regions. The fund is designed to make New York venues more competitive in securing events that are not currently scheduled or regularly held in the state and could potentially be hosted elsewhere. To qualify, a "qualifying sports or entertainment event" must not be part of a fixed, recurring schedule at a single venue, must have at least 5,000 ticketed attendees, and must not be contractually obligated to take place in New York. Businesses applying for the fund must obtain a "certificate of eligibility" and then a "certificate of funding" after meeting all criteria, which includes hosting a qualifying event, complying with worker protection laws, and not owing past-due state taxes. Applications must be submitted at least 90 days before the proposed event, and businesses must demonstrate the expected economic benefit to the host location. The Commissioner of Economic Development will oversee the program, establish regulations, and determine applicant eligibility.

Business and Industry

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S9143