The American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) is bringing in federal lobbying firms Chet Culver Group and Capitol Counsel to advocate for improvements to the NIL (name, image, likeness) program. This is a noteworthy move as it’s the first time the AFCA has hired lobbyists in at least two decades, reflecting a growing need for legislative […]
The American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) is bringing in federal lobbying firms Chet Culver Group and Capitol Counsel to advocate for improvements to the NIL (name, image, likeness) program. This is a noteworthy move as it’s the first time the AFCA has hired lobbyists in at least two decades, reflecting a growing need for legislative engagement on athlete compensation. With 11,000 members ranging from high school to college coaches, the AFCA aims to influence congressional discussions amid a crowded lobbying landscape concerning college athlete compensation. Major players have been active in this debate since 2019, and the AFCA’s involvement marks a strategic expansion in advocacy efforts.By the Numbers
- The AFCA has 11,000 members including high school and college coaches.
- Federal lobbying disclosures indicate the AFCA has not enlisted lobbyists in at least 20 years.
State of Play
- The NCAA is actively lobbying for a law to regulate college athlete compensation rules.
- A variety of organizations are now engaging in lobbying, reflecting the competitive landscape around NIL regulations.
What’s NextFuture developments may involve significant legislative changes regarding NIL stipulations, driven by the increasing pressure from multiple organizations. As the lobbying efforts ramp up, Congress faces the task of addressing these complex compensation issues for college athletes. Bottom LineThe AFCA’s foray into federal lobbying signifies a critical step towards influencing the ongoing conversation around athlete compensation, aiming to enhance the NIL framework in college sports.
