State level enabling legislation refers to rules that allow states to purchase sports franchises. The laws typically approve the use of loan funds or eminent domain coupled with public offerings of stock to permit community ownership of teams. Minnesota and New York have both considered enabling rules, though neither have passed. Pennsylvania's version of enabling legislation is currently under consideration. Included in this section are the proposed laws and background from each state.

Rules:

• Minnesota
  Numerous bills involving community ownership were introduced during the Minnesota Twins stadium debate of 1997 and early 1998. Most, however, were tainted with the inclusion of a publicly funded ballpark. Representative Phyllis Kahn's House Bill 3348 separated this controversial issue from the community ownership concept, which received broad public support.
• New York
  In 1998, Assembly Bill 684 - the New York State Sports Fan Protection Act - was introduced by Assemblypersons Richard Brodsky and Richard Gottfried as a means to acquire the Yankees if owner George Steinbrenner followed through on his threats to move the club to New Jersey. The bill would establish a State Sports Authority, which could condemn a franchise through the legal practice of eminent domain and sell shares of it to the public if either a) the cost of a stadium to the public exceeded the value of the franchise, or b) the franchise takes action to move from the state.
• Pennsylvania
  The Carn-Robinson Pennsylvania Sports Facility Authority Act (H.B. 298) would create a state entity to deal with the issue of stadium and arena construction. The authority would generate revenue through the sale of bonds, and receiving a portion and concessions, parking, television, luxury box, ticket and non-athletic event revenues. Powers granted to the authority, include regulation of ticket prices and the right of first refusal if a franchise is put up for sale.