Sacramento Kings Fans Protest Fossil Fuel Sponsorships

Environmentally-minded fans join nationwide demonstrations against 'sportswashing' by Big Oil companies

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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In mid-February, a group of Sacramento Kings fans associated with Third Act Sacramento protested the team's sponsorship deals with Shell and AM/PM, joining similar demonstrations in nine other cities against professional sports teams being sponsored by fossil fuel companies. The protesters argue that these sponsorships are a form of 'sportswashing' intended to improve the public perception of oil companies that are contributing to climate change and extreme weather events.

Why it matters

Fossil fuel companies have long used partnerships with trusted institutions like sports teams to influence the way fans perceive them, a tactic known as 'sportswashing'. Critics say this is intended to distract from the role these companies play in causing climate change and environmental disasters that threaten the future of sports.

The details

The Sacramento demonstration took place in front of Golden 1 Center during a cold, rainy day. Protesters held signs like 'Don't Spoil the Beam with Dirty Oil' and argued that the Kings' relationship with Big Oil companies creates 'positive associations that are undeserved'. The Kings did not respond to a request for comment. Similar protests were held simultaneously at Dodgers Stadium, Oracle Park in San Francisco, and other venues around the country.

  • The protest took place in mid-February 2026.

The players

Third Act Sacramento

An advocacy group of environmentally-minded Sacramento Kings fans who organized the protest.

Sally Richman

A Third Act Sacramento advocate who called on the Kings to end their sponsorship deals with Shell and AM/PM.

Pat Ferris

A protestor who held a sign reading 'Don't Spoil the Beam with Dirty Oil'.

Bill McKibben

An author, environmentalist, and co-founder of Third Act/350.org who commented on the nationwide campaign against 'sportswashing'.

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What they’re saying

“We are asking the Kings' owner and executives to immediately end the team's sponsorship deals with Shell, one of the world's largest oil companies, and AM/PM”

— Sally Richman, Third Act Sacramento advocate (Sacramento News & Review)

“Our region has suffered devastating wildfires in recent years. We shouldn't pretend that fossil fuel companies are our buddies when they are causing the climate change that worsens these disasters.”

— Sally Richman, Third Act Sacramento advocate (Sacramento News & Review)

“The greatest threat to sports in the years ahead is the rapid rise in temperature, which increasingly makes it too hot and stormy to play. So, you might say it's an error for those who enjoy – and profit from – sports, to be collaborating with the industry doing the most to overheat the planet.”

— Bill McKibben (Sacramento News & Review)

What’s next

The Kings' management has not yet responded to the open letter from Third Act Sacramento, and it remains to be seen if they will end their sponsorship deals with Shell and AM/PM.

The takeaway

This protest highlights the growing movement against 'sportswashing' by fossil fuel companies, as environmentally-conscious fans demand that their favorite teams and leagues cut ties with the industries contributing to climate change and environmental disasters that threaten the future of sports.