• Loading stock data...
Saturday, July 27, 2024
Join us this September for Tuned In Request to Attend

Why The NFL Formed Its Own PAC

  • The NFL is following in the footsteps of MLB.
  • The league is using its Gridiron PAC to establish political influence.
roger_goodell
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports/Design: Alex Brooks

The NFL knows it needs a seat at the table with the decision-makers in Washington, D.C. — and for good reason. 

Many of the issues that confront the league are of interest to lawmakers, whether it be player safety, steroid use, or negotiating television broadcasting rights. 

Under the direction of commissioner Roger Goodell, the NFL pushes some efforts through its own political action committee, dubbed the “Gridiron PAC,” which launched in 2008.

The PAC’s purpose is to strengthen the NFL’s political influence through lobbying. 

The NFL generated $12 billion in revenue in 2020 and through the PAC — and political contributions — the league can use its money to facilitate access to key members of Congress, in both the House and Senate.

The NFL increased its expenditures in politics to more than $1 million for the first time in 2007 and is on pace to do so again this year.

During the 2019-20 congressional campaign cycle, the NFL spent $2.44 million on lobbying, according to Senate reports. The league also disbursed $480,000 in contributions to campaigns, parties, and other PACs, according to ESPN.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Olympics: Peacock Aims to Redeem Past Coverage Flaws With Ambitious Slate

The NBCUniversal streaming service will offer an unprecedented level of Olympic coverage.

Streaming’s Next Step: Amazon Acquires Rights to WNBA Finals

History could repeat itself when it comes to the move from cable to streaming.

It’s NFL Holdout Season

Key players are still holding in or holding out for contract leverage.

Colin Kaepernick Launches AI Start-Up, Remains Unretired From NFL

The former QB also has his own publishing company and activist camps.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Olympics Open: What Athletes Can Do With 15 Minutes of Fame

0:00

Featured Today

Teahupo'o Tahiti Surfing

Olympic Surfing Crashes on Tahiti Like a Wave

For Teahupo‘o’s locals, the Olympics are a mixed blessing.
July 24, 2024

The Perfect Storm Propelling ‘EA Sports College Football’ to Early Success

Growing fandom and a long wait have already reaped dividends for EA.
July 22, 2024

The FTC Noncompete Ruling Could Change MMA As We Know It

Fighters could see their options—and earnings—grow.
July 21, 2024

O No Canada: The Next Big Sports Betting Scandal Could Erupt North of the Border

‘It’s open-season for match-fixing up there.’

Top Sports Business Jobs This Week (May 2024)

Each week, our staff combs through the thousands of job listings from…
August 10, 2022

PGA Tour Touts Projected Earnings to Keep Players

The PGA Tour is asking its players to consider their potential futures.
October 3, 2022

Real Madrid President Renews Call for Super League

Real Madrid’s president believes that soccer is losing ground.
Sponsored

TopSpin 2K25 Brings the Legends of Tennis to Your Living Room

2K sports is reviving a classic with TopSpin 2K25.
August 10, 2022

Bayern Munich to Make Growth Push in U.S. Market

Bayern Munich is looking to expand its reach in the U.S.
Nintendo-logo
August 3, 2022

Nintendo Profits Underwhelm, Switch Sales Decline

Nintendo failed to meet expectations in the company’s latest earnings report.
manfred_at_microphone
August 19, 2021

MLB Owners Propose $100M Salary Floor

Major League Baseball owners have proposed a $100 million payroll minimum for MLB’s 30 teams and a lower luxury tax threshold.
nfl_logo
July 23, 2021

NFL to Players: Get Vaccinated or Pay the Price

The NFL’s threatening to drop the financial hammer on un-vaccinated players and teams that cause forfeited games in 2021, according to memo.