This legislation, known as the Home Team Act of 2026, seeks to keep professional sports franchises in their current communities by addressing the significant economic and cultural impact of team relocations. Congress finds that such moves abandon fan bases and often involve the detrimental use of public funds for new stadiums, sometimes displacing local residents. The bill asserts Congress's power to regulate interstate commerce, citing the broad reach of professional sports through broadcasts, interstate travel, and revenue sharing. A core provision of the bill prohibits sports leagues from banning ownership of a franchise by a government entity or the general public . Furthermore, before a franchise owner can move a team, relocate it across state lines, or eliminate it, they must offer a fair opportunity to purchase the franchise. This opportunity is prioritized for local government entities or home community cooperatives, followed by nonprofit organizations or public-private partnerships, and then private local entities. The purchase price would be determined by Treasury-appointed appraisers at fair market value , notably deducting any government payments or subsidies provided for stadium construction. Violations of these provisions could result in significant civil penalties and allow local or state governments to pursue civil action for relief.