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CSAC backs AB 2130 to authorize sponsorship contracts and expand support for fighter pension programs
Summary
The commission voted to sponsor AB 2130, a bill carried by Assemblymember Haney that would permit sponsorships (including referee apparel and tribal/logo partnerships) to support training, a new assistant chief inspector role, and payments into MMA and boxing pension funds.
The California State Athletic Commission approved sponsoring Assembly Bill 2130, a proposal to give the commission expanded authority to enter sponsorship contracts and to create an assistant chief inspector position focused on training and administration of discretionary MMA fund payments.
Executive Officer Andy Foster described AB 2130 as a multi‑year staff effort designed to allow private‑public partnerships — for example, sponsorship of referee apparel — and to permit collaborations with tribal partners and nonprofits to augment training resources and pension support. Foster said the change could unlock revenue to increase one‑time pension payments to eligible retired fighters and to fund training required by statute.
Commissioners praised the proposal as a way to support athlete retirement benefits and training without raising ticket costs. One commissioner urged exploring an expanded raffle model to raise additional pension funds in future legislative sessions. After discussion, a motion to sponsor AB 2130 carried unanimously.
The commission noted that current pension distributions totaled roughly $114,284 in 2025 and that AB 2130 could materially increase future contributions if enacted. Staff will coordinate with Assemblymember Haney’s office on legislative language and next steps.
Next steps: commission staff to continue legislative outreach and report progress at future meetings.
