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.
Professional Sports Community Protection Act of 1985 - States that it is lawful 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, if such selection or termination requires approval by at least three-fourths of the member clubs.
Permits the relevant league to bring a civil action in an appropriate U.S. district court to enjoin any owner who violates this Act.
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. Allows the district court in which the motion is filed to transfer the suit to another district court for the convenience of the parties, or in the interest of justice. Allows the district court to require the league to hold additional hearings to give additional interested parties the opportunity to present testimony. Allows the district court to review a league's decision to terminate the ownership of a member club.
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), labor and employment laws, or Federal and State laws regarding broadcasting or telecasting.
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.
Subcommittee Hearings Held.
Introduced in Senate
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce.
Committee on Commerce. Hearings held.
Committee on Commerce. Hearings concluded. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 99-36.
Committee on Commerce. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Ordered, that if and when reported, the bill be referred to the Committee on the Judiciary for the purpose of considering the antitrust issues in the bill, for a period of not to exceed 45 calendar days, and that if the Committee fails to report at that time it be discharged from further consideration of the bill.
Committee on Commerce. Reported to Senate by Senator Danforth with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 99-69. Minority views filed.
Committee on Commerce. Reported to Senate by Senator Danforth with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 99-69. Minority views filed.
Referred to the Committee on Judiciary pursuant to the order of May 14, 1985.
Committee on Judiciary. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 99-496.
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Senate Committee on Judiciary discharged. Pursuant to the order of May 14, 1985.
Senate Committee on Judiciary discharged. Pursuant to the order of May 14, 1985.
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 217.