What does Preamble of Home Team Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled 'To keep professional sports franchises in their home communities, and for other purposes.'

What does SHORT TITLE. of Home Team Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Home Team Act of 2026.

What does FINDINGS. of Home Team Act of 2026 do?

This section outlines findings related to professional sports franchises. It states that franchises have a significant economic and cultural impact on local communities. The relocation of a franchise is viewed as abandoning its home community and fan base. The use of public funds for stadium construction to retain or attract franchises is considered detrimental to state and local governments and taxpayers. The construction of new stadiums may displace local residents. Congress asserts its power to regulate interstate commerce based on Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 of the Constitution. Professional sports have a substantial effect on interstate commerce due to broadcasting, travel of teams and fans, and revenue-sharing models. Revenue sharing extends to Canadian sports franchises.

What does PROHIBITION ON COMMUNITY OWNERSHIP BANS AND OPPORTUNITY TO of Home Team Act of 2026 do?

This section prohibits leagues from prohibiting ownership of a franchise by government entities or the general public, or from prohibiting the transfer of a franchise to such entities. It establishes a process for franchise owners who wish to relocate or eliminate a franchise, requiring them to offer a 'fair opportunity to purchase' to specified entities. Priority for purchasing a franchise is given to local government entities, home community cooperatives, nonprofit organizations, and private individuals or groups residing or operating in the community. A 'fair opportunity' includes providing proper notice, offering the franchise for fair market value, and accepting offers at or above that value. The Secretary of the Treasury will establish appraisers to determine a 'fair price,' deducting any government subsidies related to stadium construction. Franchise owners violating these provisions face a civil penalty of $30,000 per day and potential lawsuits from local governments or states. The Act clarifies definitions including 'community,' 'franchise,' 'franchise owner,' and 'home community cooperative'.

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Home Team Act of 2026

Last updated: 3/26/2026 · Introduced: 3/26/2026

Author: Greg Casar (D-TX)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill prevents professional sports leagues from prohibiting government entities or the public from owning or purchasing franchises.
Franchise owners seeking to relocate or eliminate a franchise must first offer a 'fair opportunity to purchase' to local governments, cooperatives, nonprofits, and residents.
Owners who violate the bill's provisions face daily civil penalties and potential lawsuits from local governments or states.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 2 more.

4 sections

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