Committee advances bill allowing sponsor logos on official apparel to fund fighter retirement benefits

Assemblymember Haney presented AB 2130, saying the bill would authorize the California State Athletic Commission to allow sponsor logos on referee and official apparel at boxing and mixed‑martial‑arts events to help fund and strengthen a retirement benefit for fighters.

"We now have, as you're here, a combat university here in Sacramento State. We're the biggest state for fights and for fighters, and we should find ways to support these folks," Haney said, adding that the measure "does not rely on the state's general fund, will not increase ticket prices, and will not raise taxes."

Hector Fajardo, director of operations at Sacramento State University and an MMA fighter, told the committee the retirement benefit is meaningful for fighters who ‘‘leave a piece of yourself in the ring or in the cage’’ and supported creating additional revenue streams to honor fighters and extend benefits to more participants. Tim Lynch, speaking on behalf of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, also registered support.

Members and the author emphasized the bill's revenue‑generation focus and that the intent is to use sponsor funds to enhance existing programs without increasing state expenses. The committee adopted a motion to pass the bill as amended to the Assembly Committee on Appropriations and later reported it out of committee by roll call, with a final recorded tally of 9‑0.

The author said he will work with committee staff on the adopted amendments and implementation details.