With Bears in mind, Sanders bill would offer up sports teams to city before 'billionaire owners' try to move

March 26, 2026 - 23:14

A new federal bill, dubbed the "Home Team Act," seeks to shift the balance of power between sports team owners and their home cities. Introduced by U.S. Representative Greg Casar of Texas, the legislation would prevent what he calls "billionaire owners" from abruptly moving franchises.

The proposed law would mandate that any team owner wishing to relocate must publicly announce their intent at least one year in advance. This crucial window would then provide the local community—including city officials, local investors, or community groups—the opportunity to purchase the team at a "fair market value" price before any move could be finalized.

While applicable to all major professional sports, the bill's inspiration is clear. Representative Casar explicitly referred to it as a "keep-the-Bears-in-Chicago bill," directly addressing the ongoing speculation and negotiations surrounding the Chicago Bears' potential departure from Soldier Field. The team has been exploring options for a new stadium, possibly in the city's suburbs.

Proponents argue the act protects taxpayers who often fund stadiums and the cultural identity of cities tied to their teams. It aims to ensure communities are not left without recourse when a franchise decides to leave, forcing a transparent process that prioritizes local ownership. The bill faces a long legislative path but has ignited a national conversation about the relationship between publicly-supported sports institutions and private ownership.