But the decision by Mississippi voters to retain the old flag won't cost the state's universities the right to earn a chance to host NCAA championship regionals in sports such as baseball and tennis. Opponents of the state flag say its Confederate symbol is a reminder of slavery and has been adopted by hate groups.
Supporters say it represents Southern heritage.
Mississippi has never hosted the NCAA men's basketball tournament and was not being considered as a possible future site. The NCAA said none of the championship sites awarded based on competitive record or seeding will be affected by the committee's action. Mississippi State and Mississippi's baseball teams have both played well enough to be in position to host an NCAA subregional. Ole Miss' tennis teams are also in contention to host a subregional next month. Baseball and tennis, like many NCAA championship tournaments, use campus sites to play early round games.