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.


LRB104 20600 JDS 34091 b

 
 
A BILL FOR
 
SB3899LRB104 20600 JDS 34091 b

1    AN ACT concerning economic development.
 
2    Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, 
3represented in the General Assembly:
 
4    Section 1. Short title. This Act may be cited as the Sports 
5Tourism and Regional Strengthening Act.
 
6    Section 3. Legislative findings and declarations. The 
7General Assembly finds and declares that:
8        (1) As a result of deteriorating infrastructure and 
9    sports facilities in the metropolitan area of Chicago, 
10    there is a shortage of facilities suitable for use by 
11    professional and other sports teams and musical, 
12    theatrical, cultural, and other social organizations. This 
13    shortage is a particularly prevalent issue for female 
14    sports teams, which often have more economic constraints 
15    and have not historically received the same investments as 
16    other professional sports franchises.
17        (2) The creation of modern sports facilities and the 
18    other results contemplated by this Act would stimulate 
19    economic activity in the State of Illinois, including the 
20    creation and maintenance of jobs, the creation of new and 
21    lasting infrastructure and other improvements, and the 
22    attraction and retention of sports and entertainment 
23    events, which generate economic activity.
 
 
SB3899- 2 -LRB104 20600 JDS 34091 b

1        (3) Women's professional sports are growing around the 
2    world, specifically the National Women's Soccer League 
3    (NWSL), which has experienced significant growth in 
4    attendance, viewership, and investment in recent years. 
5    The popularity of women's sports is evidenced by 
6    record-breaking ticket sales, expanded media coverage, and 
7    the entry of new sponsors and investors, reflecting a 
8    growing public demand and commercial potential. In 2024, 
9    the Kansas City Current's $36 million in revenue was the 
10    most in the NWSL, more than triple the revenue of 8 other 
11    clubs. The gap in revenue is in part because the Current 
12    opened the first purpose-built stadium for women's soccer 
13    in 2024. Supporting the continued growth of professional 
14    women's sports contributes to gender equity, economic 
15    development, and increase participation in women's sports 
16    at all levels.
17        (4) Construction of women's professional sports 
18    facilities will create a number of skilled labor and 
19    construction jobs with good wages and benefits. Such 
20    critical infrastructure will increase the participation of 
21    women and minorities in the building trades, promoting 
22    diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workforce. 
23        (5) Professional sports facilities can be magnets for 
24    substantial tourism, resulting in increased retail sales, 
25    hotel and restaurant sales, and entertainment industry 
26    sales, all of which increase jobs and economic growth.
 
 
 
SB3899- 3 -LRB104 20600 JDS 34091 b

1    Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon 
2becoming law.