Skip to main content
HR 1124 99th Congress House

Professional Sports Community Protection Act of 1985

Official title: A bill to protect the public interest in stable relationships among communities, professional sports teams and leagues and in the successful operation of such … Show full official titleShow less

Official title: A bill to protect the public interest in stable relationships among communities, professional sports teams and leagues and in the successful operation of such teams in communities throughout the Nation, and for other purposes.

Introduced: May 9, 1985 See on congress.gov
Sports and Recreation Antitrust lawAntitrust policyCivil actions and liabilityCivil procedure
More subjectsShow fewer subjects
Courts and Civil ProcedureFederal preemptionProfessional sportsRelocationRestrictive trade practicesSports and AthleticsState lawsStates
This bill died when the 99th Congress ended
It never became law before the 99th Congress (1985–1986) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 Everywhere this bill has been 4 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Apr 4, 1985
Subcommittee Hearings Held.
Feb 26, 1985
Referred to Subcommittee on Commerce, Transportation and Tourism.
Feb 19, 1985
Referred to House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Feb 19, 1985
Introduced in House
 Ask about this bill AI · grounded in the bill text

Have a question about what this bill does? Ask in plain English; the answer is drawn from the bill's actual text and official record, and it'll tell you when something isn't in the text rather than guess.

AI answers can be imperfect; always confirm against the full bill text.

 Latest action April 4, 1985

Subcommittee Hearings Held.

 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Professional Sports Community Protection Act of 1985 - States that it shall not be unlawful for a professional sports league or its clubs to enforce rules or agreements that: (1) decide that a member club may not relocate; (2) divide revenues to promote economic opportunities for member clubs; and (3) establish procedures and standards for the selection and termination of club ownership.

Prescribes a notice requirement for clubs seeking relocation.

Lists factors for consideration in determining whether a league will permit a club to relocate, which include: (1) the adequacy of the existing stadium and facilities; (2) the operating revenues or losses during the preceding three years; and (3) any offers to purchase the club at fair market value which would keep such club in its home territory.

Provides that judicial review of the league's determination may be sought in a civil action brought in a district court of the United States by: (1) the club seeking relocation; (2) the stadium owner or operator; or (3) the local government. Prohibits the bringing of such action in a district court within the club's home or proposed territory.

Requires leagues to file with the Secretary of Commerce their rules regarding: (1) team relocation; (2) division of revenues; and (3) selection and termination of club ownership.

States that the provisions of this Act do not affect the applicability of the antitrust laws (as defined in the Clayton Act and the Federal Trade Commission Act).

Preempts State and local laws inconsistent with this Act.

Applies the provisions of this Act to any major league football, basketball, hockey, or soccer team.

 Related & companion bills 1
 Committees of jurisdiction 2
Cite this page click to expand
APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.R. 1124: Professional Sports Community Protection Act of 1985. 99th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/99-HR-1124/
MLA
"H.R. 1124: Professional Sports Community Protection Act of 1985." 99th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/99-HR-1124/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.R. 1124, 99th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/99-HR-1124/.
Markdown link
[H.R. 1124: Professional Sports Community Protection Act of 1985](https://openamerica.io/bill/99-HR-1124/)
Report a problem