diff --git a/.github/release-please.yml b/.github/release-please.yml
index ab97340a7..7f8c0fbb7 100644
--- a/.github/release-please.yml
+++ b/.github/release-please.yml
@@ -23,6 +23,10 @@ branches:
     handleGHRelease: true
     releaseType: java-backport
     branch: 2.35.x
+  - bumpMinorPreMajor: true
+    handleGHRelease: true
+    releaseType: java-backport
+    branch: 2.40.x
 bumpMinorPreMajor: true
 handleGHRelease: true
 releaseType: java-yoshi
diff --git a/.github/sync-repo-settings.yaml b/.github/sync-repo-settings.yaml
index 418e8ab98..2027cd1a0 100644
--- a/.github/sync-repo-settings.yaml
+++ b/.github/sync-repo-settings.yaml
@@ -107,6 +107,21 @@ branchProtectionRules:
       - cla/google
       - OwlBot Post Processor
       - javadoc
+  - pattern: 2.40.x
+    isAdminEnforced: true
+    requiredApprovingReviewCount: 1
+    requiresCodeOwnerReviews: true
+    requiresStrictStatusChecks: false
+    requiredStatusCheckContexts:
+      - dependencies (17)
+      - lint
+      - clirr
+      - units (8)
+      - units (11)
+      - 'Kokoro - Test: Integration'
+      - cla/google
+      - OwlBot Post Processor
+      - javadoc
 permissionRules:
   - team: api-bigquery
     permission: admin