This bill, the Home Team Act of 2026, would make it harder for professional sports teams to leave their home area. It stops leagues from banning ownership of a team by a local government or members of the public. If an owner wants to move a team, move it across State lines, or eliminate it, the owner must first offer a fair chance to buy the team to local entities in a set order: 1) a local government or a "home community cooperative," 2) a local nonprofit or a public-private partnership with a local cooperative or nonprofit, and 3) private people or companies based in the community. The owner must give proper notice (usually at least one year before the season in which the team would play in the new location or be eliminated), offer the team at fair market value, and accept any qualifying local offer.
The Treasury Secretary must set up a team of professional appraisers to decide a fair price. Appraisals must subtract any government payments, credits, or subsidies given for the stadium where the team played most home games. The Attorney General can fine owners $30,000 for each day they break the law, and a local government or State can sue for injunctive or monetary relief. The bill also says it does not interfere with employees' rights to collectively bargain or with collective bargaining agreements already in place.
If you live in a city with a professional sports team, this bill aims to give your community more chance to keep the team. Local governments, cooperatives, nonprofits, and local private groups would get the first chance to buy the team before it moves away or is shut down. The bill would also require owners to explain plans publicly and give time to local buyers.
No publicly available information on estimated federal costs. The bill requires the Secretary of the Treasury to create an appraisal team and sets up civil penalties and possible court actions, but it does not provide dollar estimates or funding sources in the text provided.
Supporters, as reflected in the bill findings, say professional teams have large economic and cultural effects on their communities. They argue that relocations abandon the fans and places that helped grow the team, that public money for new stadiums can harm local taxpayers, and that stadium construction can displace residents. The bill's rules are meant to protect local communities and limit the use of public subsidies.
No publicly available information on opponents' stated concerns in the provided bill text or metadata.