diff --git a/.github/release-please.yml b/.github/release-please.yml
index 37d9fad3ff..37f8aa1b84 100644
--- a/.github/release-please.yml
+++ b/.github/release-please.yml
@@ -16,3 +16,6 @@ branches:
   - releaseType: java-lts
     bumpMinorPreMajor: true
     branch: 3.3.3-sp
+  - releaseType: java-lts
+    bumpMinorPreMajor: true
+    branch: 6.4.4-sp
diff --git a/.github/sync-repo-settings.yaml b/.github/sync-repo-settings.yaml
index 5e9d6492ca..695d3b2965 100644
--- a/.github/sync-repo-settings.yaml
+++ b/.github/sync-repo-settings.yaml
@@ -104,6 +104,24 @@ branchProtectionRules:
       - checkstyle
       - compile (8)
       - compile (11)
+  - pattern: 6.4.4-sp
+    isAdminEnforced: true
+    requiredApprovingReviewCount: 1
+    requiresCodeOwnerReviews: true
+    requiresStrictStatusChecks: false
+    requiredStatusCheckContexts:
+      - dependencies (8)
+      - dependencies (11)
+      - linkage-monitor
+      - lint
+      - clirr
+      - units (8)
+      - units (11)
+      - 'Kokoro - Test: Integration'
+      - cla/google
+      - checkstyle
+      - compile (8)
+      - compile (11)
 permissionRules:
   - team: yoshi-admins
     permission: admin