Unusual Eminent Domain Bill. States Buying Professional Sports Franchises.

In 1984 the Maryland Senate passed a bill allowing the state of Maryland to use eminent domain to acquire the Colts.

Why did Maryland want to buy the Colts? To prevent the franchise from leaving.

Did it work? No, before the Maryland House could pass the bill, the owner struck and deal and moved the team to Indianapolis. 

Columbus Dispatch | Michael Arace | Powerful are complicit in Crew move; it’s how the game is played