HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 04: The Villanova Wildcats hoist the trophy after defeating the North Carolina Tar Heels 77-74 to win the 2016 NCAA Men's Final Four National Championship game at NRG Stadium on April 4, 2016 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

The NCAA gives North Carolina an ultimatum over the state's controversial "bathroom bill"

The state of North Carolina has a decision to make and a timeline in which to make it.

North Carolina's HB2 bill has been controversial in many ways but, aside from the obvious political and social ramifications, the bill has cost the state a great deal in terms of its ability to host various sporting events. The NBA moved the All-Star Game from Charlotte to New Orleans to get things started and, from there, others followed including the NCAA choosing to move its 2017 men's basketball regional from Greensboro (N.C.) to Greenville (S.C.).

Earlier this week, the NCAA doubled down on its stance and, in short, issued an ultimatum for North Carolina.

The official release from the NCAA notes that it will announce its sites for 2018 through 2022 on April 18 and it is very clear with regard to North Carolina as a potential host state.

"Absent any change in the law, our position remains the same regarding hosting current or future events in the state. As the state knows, next week our various sports committees will begin making championships site selections for 2018-2022. Once the sites are selected by the committee, those decisions are final."

In some ways, this is simply more of the same from the NCAA and they have made it quite clear that nothing will change their mind short of a repeal of the HB2. Now, the focus switches back to the state for its response... or lack of response.