Miller, Jarrells Provide Sponsor Testimony to Create the Ohio Sports Commission
COLUMBUS – State Representative Melanie Miller (R-Ashland) and Assistant Minority Leader Representative Dontavius L. Jarrells (D-Columbus) provided sponsor testimony in the House Arts, Athletics and Tourism Committee Tuesday to create the Ohio Sports Commission, which would help attract, promote and develop national and international sporting events to Ohio.
“Tourism is a $56 billion industry in Ohio and sports have a crucial role in driving that success, “said Miller. “With the creation of the Ohio Sports Commission, we’re making a bold move to strengthen our economy, elevate Ohio’s presence nationally and globally, and build a lasting foundation for sports tourism that will benefit future generations.”
Ohio has seen recent successes with the 2021 NFL Draft in Cleveland generating $42 million in economic impact and the 2024 MLS All-Star Game generated $30 million, while Cincinnati professional sports contribute more than $550 million annually. The new commission will build on these accomplishments and attract, promote, and develop national and international sports throughout Ohio.
The commission will consist of the following 17 members:
- The Governor, or a designee;
- The Director of Development, or a designee;
- One member of the Senate majority party appointed by the Senate President;
- One member of the Senate minority party appointed by the Senate Minority Leader;
- One member of the House majority party appointed by the Speaker of the House;
- One member of the House minority party appointed by the House Minority Leader;
- One member of an organization in Ohio that represents student athletes;
- One member of an organization in Ohio that represents professional athletes;
- One member that represents convention and visitors’ bureaus in Ohio;
- Four members that represent local sports commissions throughout Ohio, recommended by sports commissions throughout Ohio;
- Two members that represent private stakeholders in the sports industry or tourism industries in Ohio, and
- Two members that represent athletes in Ohio.
The commission will be responsible for the promotion of sports tourism through partnering with private and public stakeholders to help attract major sporting events to Ohio.
The commission will also create a study for a new grant program aimed at supporting emerging sports. This study will be used to recommend policy to the General Assembly that helps position Ohio as a premier destination for sporting events at every level.
House Bill 255 now awaits additional hearings in the House Arts, Athletics and Tourism Committee.
