NC H945

Establishes a 25% production tax credit for esports event production companies that incur at least $250,000 in qualifying expenses in North Carolina.

Defines qualifying expenses as in-state spending on goods, services, compensation, insurance, employee benefits, and per diems, excluding compensation above $1,000,000 paid to highly compensated individuals.

Credits are refundable and apply to esports events organized by amateur, collegiate, or professional organizations for live or tape-delayed broadcast, excluding traditional sporting events.

Appropriates $5,000,000 in nonrecurring funds for planning and construction of an Esports Training and Education Center at North Carolina State University and $2,500,000 for a mobile esports training center.

Tax credit program sunsets January 1, 2025 for expenses occurring on or after that date; appropriations and remaining provisions become effective July 1, 2021 and January 1, 2021, respectively.