The landscape of college sports advocacy is changing with the establishment of a new Super PAC dedicated to advancing legislation in the field. The College Sports United PAC has emerged with a focused mission to ensure the successful passage of the Protect College Sports Act in its current form, free of amendments.
Goals of the College Sports United PAC
According to Alex Fulton, who leads the PAC, their primary aim is to educate House members on the significance of this legislation. Fulton believes that the Protect College Sports Act will serve as a vital framework for the future development of college athletics.
A Unique Initiative
This initiative marks the first instance of a Super PAC focusing exclusively on issues pertinent to college sports. Fulton, who brings a wealth of experience from both the political arena and the world of college athletics, hopes to mobilize support for the bill among key lawmakers.
Background and Motivation
Fulton's background includes serving as the Senior Vice President of Mercury Public Affairs in Sacramento and founding Game Day Media, which aids schools with athletics revenue and NIL deals. His recent discussions with university donors and athletic directors prompted him to launch the PAC, intending to ensure the Protect College Sports Act remains intact as it moves through Congress.
Amending the bill in the House would mean it needs to be sent back to the Senate, potentially delaying its approval before the end of the current congressional session. The PAC officially registered with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) on September 22.
Strategies for Success
The College Sports United PAC has identified House members who have publicly opposed the Protect College Sports Act and plans to directly target them through strategic advertising and voter outreach. Fulton states, "Our objective is to make sure constituents in those districts are aware of the negative implications of opposing this bill. We want to inform voters on why it’s crucial that it passes through the House."
Community Support
Fulton noted that support for the PAC has come from numerous donors affiliated with smaller Division I schools, all of whom desire representation at the legislative table. While he refrained from naming specific contributors, he mentioned that their identities will become public as required by the FEC.
As the PAC was formed just a month ago, it has not yet reported any formal donations but has received a number of pledges. Fulton anticipates that the group will start collecting its first funds very soon.
Wider Context of Lobbying Efforts
While this new PAC is a critical player in advocating for college sports legislation, it is not the only entity operating in this space. Cody Campbell, the chairman for the Texas Tech University board and an advisor to Trump, established a 501(c)(4) known as Saving College Sports in 2025. This group has played a significant role in supporting the Protect College Sports Act, having invested around $10 million in a national advertising campaign, according to previous reports.
The NCAA and several power conferences have also utilized their resources for lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill, pushing their agenda in favor of or against various legislative proposals. Additionally, several civil rights groups and player advocacy organizations are actively campaigning against the Protect College Sports Act.
Looking Ahead
The House of Representatives is slated to address the Protect College Sports Act when it reconvenes in November following the midterm elections. However, the exact timeline for deliberation and voting on the bill remains uncertain.
