Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Law

Montana Lawmaker Drafting ESPN ‘College GameDay’ Legislation

  • State Sen. Ellie Boldman plans to introduce to the legislation when legislature next meets in January.
  • Boldman tells 406 Sports that the legislation would be in the form of a joint resolution.
Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

A Montana state senator is working on a bill that aims to lure ESPN’s “College GameDay” to the state. 

State Sen. Ellie Boldman told 406 Sports the bill will be in the form of a joint resolution that she plans to introduce to the legislature at its next session in January. 

“Our resolutions often show support or encouragement to movements in the private sector,” Boldman said. “Bringing ‘ESPN College GameDay’ to the State of Montana is worthy of such an enthusiastic endorsement.”

Montana — along with neighboring Wyoming — has never been featured on ESPN’s popular college pregame show. While “College GameDay” typically hits FBS schools most weeks, the crew’s last visit was to FCS Jackson State. 

Missoula-based University of Montana has won the FCS national title twice, most recently in 2001, and is currently 5-3. Montana State, based in Bozeman, is 7-1 and trails only undefeated Sacramento State in the Big Sky Conference.  

Boldman said she expects the resolution will get through the committee in the senate and a version will also clear the Montana House of Representatives. 

“I have been in the Montana Capitol since 2011, and I know that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle are deeply proud of our Montana football programs, and I feel confident this resolution will be met with enthusiastic support,” Boldman said. 

“I would imagine it will be mailed to ESPN ‘College GameDay’ officials with the signatures of all 150 Montana State legislators, representing urban, rural and Tribal communities. You can tell Desmond Howard, Kirk Herbstreit, Lee Corso, Pat McAfee and David Pollack to pack their bags. Montana is ready, and we’re coming for them.”

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Why Vanity Fair Is Pushing Into Sports Coverage

The glossy mag is betting sports coverage can arrest a traffic decline.
Sep 1, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick on the field before the game at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
opinion

Bill Belichick Takes Revenge on CBS News During Sudden Media Tour

Belichick said he’s requested the transcripts from his now-famous interview.
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) shakes hands with Shanghai Mayor Gong Zheng during a U.S. congressional delegation's visit in Shanghai, China, May 5, 2026.

As SCORE Act Fails Again, a New College Sports Bill May Emerge

On Monday night, House leadership canceled the vote.
Oct 25, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Brendan Sorsby walks off the field after defeating the Baylor Bears at Nippert Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

Texas Tech QB Sorsby Sues NCAA Seeking Eligibility

If deemed ineligible, Sorsby is eyeing the NFL Supplemental Draft.

Featured Today

NFL Rivalries Are Made on the Field, Mocked in Schedule Release Videos

Every year, teams find new ways to one-up themselves (and their rivals).
Bart Swings/Falyn Fonoimoana/Avery Poppinga
May 14, 2026

OnlyFans Is Paying Pro Athletes What Their Sports Won’t

The adult-content platform is a reliable income source for niche athletes.
May 13, 2026

How Sports Graphic Designers Are Grappling With the Rise of AI Art

The release of ChatGPT 2.0 Images sparked a conversation among sports designers.
May 12, 2026

Collectible Cups Are Sending Sports Fans Into a Frenzy

The drink is secondary to the wild vessel it comes in.

Brian Flores Subpoenas Dozens of Teams As NFL Lawsuit Grows

The Vikings assistant is now seeking records from 31 teams.
May 14, 2026

Tennis Lawsuit Sparks Courtroom Fight Over Grand Slam Credentials

Wimbledon and the French Open denied credentials to the PTPA.
May 18, 2026

Nike Under Fire Amid Growing Wave of Tariff Refund Lawsuits

Adidas and Lululemon also face proposed class actions from consumers.
Sponsored

Mark Cuban Peels Back the Curtain

Mark Cuban discusses sports ownership, the rise of NIL, and the evolving media landscape.
May 11, 2026

NBA Cut Out Middleman From Lucrative Emirates Deal: Lawsuit

The NBA denies it had an agreement with Paul Edalat.
Mar 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Bowlero has rebranded itself as Lucky Strike. It is in the same location new to the mall on McFarland Blvd.
May 7, 2026

Lawsuit Claims Lucky Strike Built Bowling Monopoly

The company has allegedly caused bowling prices to triple in some cases.
Oct 8, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Professional boxer Floyd Mayweather attends the game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Phoenix Mercury for game three of the 2025 WNBA Finals at PHX Arena.
May 6, 2026

Floyd Mayweather Jr. Calls Off $100M Legal Fight With Business Insider

The boxer voluntarily dismissed his lawsuit.
April 30, 2026

Puma Denies Its Carbon-Plated Shoes Cause Injuries After Lawsuit

The company pushed back on claims that its shoes increased injury risk.