AFCA Enlists Lobbying Firms to Influence NIL Rules in Washington

In an intriguing development, the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) have hired two major federal lobbying firms, Chet Culver Group and Capitol Counsel, to advocate for improvements to the name, image, and likeness (NIL) regulations.

This marks the first time in at least two decades that the AFCA, which boasts 11,000 members across high school and college football, has engaged lobbyists, a decision reflecting the urgency to address the shifting dynamics of athlete compensation.

Federal lobbying disclosures, filed on Jan. 17, reveal the AFCA’s intent to influence congressional discussions around NIL regulations. While specific legislative goals remain under wraps, the AFCA’s move into lobbying underscores the growing recognition within college sports that the NIL landscape requires a unified and sustainable framework.