Illinois General Assembly - Full Text of SB3899

LRB104 20600 JDS 34091 b

104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2025 and 2026
SB3899

Introduced 2/6/2026, by Sen. Lakesia Collins

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

Creates the Sports Tourism and Regional Strengthening Act. Contains legislative findings regarding the value of women's professional sports facilities for the economic and cultural development of the State of Illinois. Effective immediately.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning economic development.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 1. Short title. This Act may be cited as the Sports Tourism and Regional Strengthening Act.

Section 3. Legislative findings and declarations. The General Assembly finds and declares that:

(1) As a result of deteriorating infrastructure and sports facilities in the metropolitan area of Chicago, there is a shortage of facilities suitable for use by professional and other sports teams and musical, theatrical, cultural, and other social organizations. This shortage is a particularly prevalent issue for female sports teams, which often have more economic constraints and have not historically received the same investments as other professional sports franchises.

(2) The creation of modern sports facilities and the other results contemplated by this Act would stimulate economic activity in the State of Illinois, including the creation and maintenance of jobs, the creation of new and lasting infrastructure and other improvements, and the attraction and retention of sports and entertainment events, which generate economic activity.

(3) Women's professional sports are growing around the world, specifically the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), which has experienced significant growth in attendance, viewership, and investment in recent years. The popularity of women's sports is evidenced by record-breaking ticket sales, expanded media coverage, and the entry of new sponsors and investors, reflecting a growing public demand and commercial potential. In 2024, the Kansas City Current's $36 million in revenue was the most in the NWSL, more than triple the revenue of 8 other clubs. The gap in revenue is in part because the Current opened the first purpose-built stadium for women's soccer in 2024. Supporting the continued growth of professional women's sports contributes to gender equity, economic development, and increase participation in women's sports at all levels.

(4) Construction of women's professional sports facilities will create a number of skilled labor and construction jobs with good wages and benefits. Such critical infrastructure will increase the participation of women and minorities in the building trades, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workforce.

(5) Professional sports facilities can be magnets for substantial tourism, resulting in increased retail sales, hotel and restaurant sales, and entertainment industry sales, all of which increase jobs and economic growth.

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.