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S 4272

Home Team Act of 2026

119th Congress Introduced by Richard Blumenthal and 1 co-sponsor

The bill prohibits franchise relocations without offering ownership opportunities to local entities at fair value, strengthening community-based ownership options.

Introduced in Senate
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 4272

Summary of S. 4272 — Home Team Act of 2026

Proposed to be enacted during the 119th Congress, this bill seeks to keep professional sports franchises in their home communities by restricting relocations and providing a structured framework for alternative ownership opportunities.

1) Purpose and Intent

  • Primary aim: Prevent or limit the relocation of professional sports franchises from their home communities.
  • Recognizes economic, cultural, and civic importance of local franchises and the potential negative impact of public funding and relocation on home communities.
  • Establishes federal criteria and enforcement mechanisms to promote local ownership options and fair treatment of communities facing relocation.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

A. Prohibition on certain league practices (Section 3)

  • Leagues may not, as part of league requirements or agreements:
    • Prohibit ownership of a franchise by a government entity or members of the public.
    • Prohibit the transfer of a franchise to a government entity or members of the public.
  • Franchises may not relocate or eliminate without offering a fair opportunity to purchase to designated eligible entities (see below).

B. Right of first offer to purchase (Opportunity to Purchase)

  • If a franchise owner contemplates relocation, cross-state transfer, or elimination, they must offer the franchise for purchase to a specified list of entities at fair market value.
  • Priority order for offers:
    1. Local government entity or a home community cooperative.
    2. A nonprofit organization operating in the community or a public-private partnership with a home community cooperative or nonprofit.
    3. A private person, private consortium, or company that resides in or operates in the community.
  • Franchise owner must:
    • Provide proper notice of proposed relocation/elimination.
    • Offer the franchise at fair market value.
    • Accept offers from eligible entities if at or above a fair price.

C. Valuation and appraisal (Section 3(c))

  • The Secretary of the Treasury would establish a team of professional appraisers to determine a fair price.
  • The appraisal must deduct the value of any government payments, credits, or subsidies tied to stadium construction used by the franchise.

D. Enforcement and remedies (Section 3(d))

  • Civil penalties: $30,000 per day for each day a franchise owner violates the provision.
  • Private right of action: Local governments or states can sue in district court for injunctive and monetary relief.

E. Rule of construction and preemption (Section 3(e))

  • The act does not preempt or interfere with employees’ rights to bargain collectively.
  • Does not preempt existing collective bargaining agreements as of enactment.

F. Definitions (Section 3(f))

  • Community: Metropolitan Statistical Area where the franchise plays the most home games.
  • Franchise, Franchise Owner: As defined; League includes major professional leagues listed (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, WNBA, NWSL).
  • Home Community Cooperative: A democratically controlled, community-based, jointly owned enterprise.
  • Local Government Entity: Any unit of local government with land-use authority where the franchise plays the most home games.
  • Nonprofit Organization: IRS-registered public charity.
  • Private Company: Not traded on public markets.
  • Proper Notice: At least one year before season start or before the franchise elimination date, including details about relocation and effective date.
  • Social Media Platform: As defined (relevant for notices and public communication).

3) Who Would Be Affected

  • Franchise Owners and Leagues: Subject to new requirements on relocation and the obligation to offer the opportunity to purchase to eligible local entities.
  • Local Governments and Communities: Potentially receive enhanced influence over franchise ownership changes; access to a prioritized path to purchasing a franchise.
  • Local Government Entities, Home Community Cooperatives, Nonprofits, Public-Private Partnerships: Given priority status in the purchase process.
  • Taxpayers and Public Funds: The act targets reductions in potential use of public subsidies for stadiums by creating a pathway that strengthens local ownership options.
  • General Public and Fans: Indirectly affected through potential retention of franchises in communities and the impact on local economies and cultural life.

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Legislative status: Introduced in Senate on March 26, 2026; read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
  • Compliance and enforcement mechanisms include civil penalties and private civil actions.
  • The act defines a one-year notice period for relocation/elimination decisions to ensure adequate lead time for notice to interested parties and the public.

5) Notable Points

  • The bill emphasizes interstate commerce considerations by tying franchise movements to nationwide economic activity, including broadcasting and travel.
  • Establishes a federal framework for evaluating “fair price” through a Treasury appraisal process, reducing potential biases in valuation.
  • Maintains respect for workers’ collective bargaining rights and current agreements.

This summary captures the bill’s core policy goal, the main statutory changes, who would be affected, and key procedural aspects. If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with current law or a potential impact assessment for specific leagues or communities.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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