Senate moves to reinstate Arkansas wrestling under athletic commission oversight

In a recent meeting of the Arkansas Senate's State Agencies and Government Affairs Committee, lawmakers discussed a significant proposal aimed at reinstating oversight of professional wrestling under the state athletic commission. This move comes after professional wrestling was removed from the commission's purview in 2017, a decision that has since led to financial challenges for the commission.

The proposal, identified as House Bill 1952, seeks to reestablish regulations for professional wrestling events, particularly those attracting over 1,500 attendees. Currently, the athletic commission relies on state tax dollars to cover operational costs, as the absence of oversight has resulted in a substantial loss of revenue. Before 2017, approximately 70% of the commission's budget was funded by wrestling events, which helped subsidize other programs that operate at a loss.

Senator Jonathan, who introduced the bill, emphasized the need for a sustainable financial model for the commission. He noted that without a sanctioning body, Arkansas risks losing major wrestling events, such as those hosted by WWE, which rely on state oversight for insurance and safety protocols. The reinstatement of oversight would not only provide a revenue stream through event fees but also ensure that health and safety standards are maintained for participants.

During the discussion, several senators raised concerns about the implications of the bill, particularly regarding its impact on smaller, local wrestling events. Senator Hammer clarified that the legislation would not affect smaller events, which typically draw fewer than 1,500 attendees. This distinction aims to protect local promoters from the regulatory burden that larger events would incur.

The committee also explored the historical context of the 2017 decision to remove wrestling from the commission's oversight. While the reasons for that decision remain unclear, it was noted that the lack of regulation has led to a decline in the number of sanctioned events and potential revenue losses for the state.

As the committee deliberates on the bill, the overarching goal remains clear: to restore financial stability to the athletic commission while ensuring that Arkansas remains an attractive venue for professional wrestling events. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential amendments to the proposal, as lawmakers seek to balance the interests of both large and small wrestling promotions in the state.