Bottom Line: FIFA World Cup host committees hire Hogan Lovells
World Cup
Several host committees for the 2026 FIFA World Cup hired Hogan Lovells to lobby for funding to bolster security and emergency services for the tournament, which will be the first to take place across three countries and with 48 teams.
The firm registered to lobby on behalf of FIFA World Cup Philadelphia 2026, FIFA World Cup Seattle 2026, FIFA World Cup Atlanta 2026, FIFA World Cup Boston 2026 and FIFA World Cup Kansas City 2026. These and other host cities have hired teams of lobbyists, including former lawmakers, to help score federal funding ahead of the tournament. Former Sen. Norm Coleman (R-Minn.) will work on the accounts.
Aviation
Walmart hired MVP Strategies to lobby on aviation issues related to the draft beyond-visual-line-of-sight rule for drones operating beyond the line of sight of the pilot, as directed in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024. The lobbyist on the account is Phillip Wallace, the firm’s chief Democratic strategist who started his career as a staffer with the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee before working in government affairs for companies including Hyundai, the venture capital firm Intellectual Ventures and Walmart.
Chips
Intel hired S-3 Group to lobby on issues related to CHIPS Act funding, semiconductors, research and development tax credits, tariffs and domestic chipmaker support in the annual defense bill. One of the lobbyists on the account is Martin Reiser, former policy director for House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.).
Automotive
BMW of North America hired Neale Creek LLC to lobby on issues related to the automotive industry. The lobbyist on the account is Andrew King, former deputy chief of staff to Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.).
Chevron hired Ballard Partners to lobby on issues related to the reauthorization of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Brian Ballard, former Florida Finance Committee chair for President-elect Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign and a top campaign bundler for his 2024 election, will work on the account.
Gambling
Betting giant FanDuel hired Aquia Group to lobby on issues related to online sports gaming. Ryan Dattilo, former counsel on the House Judiciary Committee, will work on the account.