The NAACP is calling on Black athletes, fans, alumni and families to boycott athletic programs at the University of Texas and Texas A&M as part of a new national campaign launched Tuesday. The “Out of Bounds” initiative targets flagship public universities in eight Southern states, accusing them of profiting from Black athletic talent while state legislatures pursue redistricting maps that the group says weaken Black voting power.
The campaign, announced May 19, 2026, in Washington, D.C., urges prospective athletes to withhold commitments, current players to consider the transfer portal, and fans to stop buying tickets and merchandise. It focuses on states including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. The NAACP argues these institutions generate more than $100 million annually in revenue, much of it driven by Black football and basketball players, while state governments move to redraw congressional and legislative districts following a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that limited parts of the Voting Rights Act.
Texas lawmakers have advanced new voting district maps that critics claim dilute minority representation ahead of the 2026 midterms. The NAACP says the boycott will remain in effect until the targeted states restore fair maps, strengthen voting protections and commit to transparent redistricting. The organization also encourages redirecting support to Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
The Congressional Black Caucus voiced support for the effort and announced it will oppose the federal SCORE Act, which aims to standardize athlete compensation, until college sports leaders speak out against the redistricting efforts.
No immediate response has been issued by the University of Texas or Texas A&M. The campaign has sparked widespread discussion about the intersection of college athletics, race and politics in the South.
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