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 the 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.

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

This section prohibits leagues from prohibiting franchise ownership by government entities or the general public, or prohibiting the transfer of a franchise to those entities. It establishes an 'opportunity to purchase' process if a franchise owner intends to move, eliminate, or transfer the franchise. Priority for purchasing the franchise is given to local government entities, home community cooperatives, nonprofit organizations, and private individuals/consortiums 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 the fair price. The Secretary of the Treasury will establish appraisers to determine a 'fair price,' deducting government payments related to stadium construction. The Attorney General can assess a civil penalty of $30,000 per day for violations, and local governments or states can bring civil actions for injunctive and monetary relief. The Act clarifies that it does not preempt collective bargaining rights or existing agreements. The term 'community' is defined as the metropolitan statistical area where the franchise plays the most home games.

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Home Team Act of 2026

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

Author: Bernie Sanders (I-VT)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill prevents professional sports leagues from prohibiting franchise ownership by government entities or the general public.
If a franchise owner intends to relocate, eliminate, or transfer a franchise, the bill establishes a 'right of first refusal' process prioritizing local governments, community groups, and residents.
The bill imposes financial penalties on leagues that violate its provisions and allows local governments or states to seek legal remedies.

119th Congressin committeeHR. 8097(In Committee)Official page

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Other Sections

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

4 sections

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