Latest news with #TimLeiweke
Globe and Mail
11-07-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Ex-MLSE head denies U.S. Justice Department bid-rigging allegations
The former head of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment Ltd. is contesting U.S. Department of Justice allegations that he conspired with a competitor to rig the bidding for an arena at a Texas university, saying that having discussions with another company about a business partnership is not illegal. Tim Leiweke, who co-founded live-event and hospitality company Oak View Group after leaving MLSE in 2015, was charged Wednesday with orchestrating a conspiracy to rig a competitive bidding process to develop and manage the Moody Center, a multipurpose arena on the University of Texas grounds in Austin. Oak View Group owns or manages about 400 venues, according to its website, including 19 across Canada. Among its properties, it owns and operates the TD Coliseum arena – set to reopen this fall after extensive renovations – and the FirstOntario Concert Hall, both of which are in Hamilton. The company announced Wednesday that Mr. Leiweke was stepping down as chief executive officer, but would remain a shareholder and vice-chair of the board. Ellen Davis, a spokesperson for Mr. Leiweke, denied any wrongdoing and said he will 'vigorously defend himself and his well-deserved reputation for fairness and integrity.' 'The Antitrust Division's allegations are wrong on the law and the facts, and the case should never have been brought,' Ms. Davis said in an e-mailed statement. The statement said the law clearly allows 'vertical, complementary business partnerships' like the one Mr. Leiweke discussed with live-events company Legends Hospitality. 'These allegations blatantly ignore established legal precedent and seek to criminalize common teaming efforts that are proven to enhance competition and benefit the public,' it said. The indictment alleges that Mr. Leiweke conspired with the CEO of Legends Hospitality to rig the bidding for the Moody Center 'to benefit his own company and deprived a public university and taxpayers of the benefits of competitive bidding,' assistant attorney-general Abigail Slater of the Justice Department's antitrust division said in a news release. According to the release, the indictment alleges that Mr. Leiweke informed colleagues he had learned that Legends Hospitality was bidding against Oak View Group in 2017 for the Moody Center project. It alleges that Mr. Leiweke reached an agreement with Legends's CEO to give it the arena project's subcontracts in exchange for not bidding. The news release does not state whether Oak View Group ultimately gave subcontracts to Legends and, if it did, what those contracts were. The indictment does not name the Legends CEO. The company's website states Shervin Mirhashemi held the role from 2017 to 2024. In the end, Oak View Group was the sole qualified bid for the project and won. The Moody Center opened to the public in April, 2022, and the company continues to 'receive significant revenues' from it, according to the DOJ. If convicted, Mr. Leiweke faces a maximum of 10 years in prison and a US$1-million fine, although the fine could increase to reflect the gain derived from the alleged crime, or the loss to its victims. Oak View Group separately consented to pay US$15-million in an agreement in connection with the bid-rigging allegations. Legends Hospitality paid a penalty of US$1.5-million. In a public statement, Oak View Group said it co-operated with the Justice Department's antitrust division in its inquiry and resolved the matter with no charges against the company, or any admission of wrongdoing. Chris Granger was tapped to fill Mr. Leiweke's former role as interim CEO. Mr. Granger is the president of OVG360, a branch of Oak View Group focused on sports, live entertainment and hospitality. Before co-founding Oak View Group, Mr. Leiweke was the president and CEO of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, which owns prominent Toronto sports teams including the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Toronto Raptors. He left that position in 2015, after two years at the helm.
National Post
10-07-2025
- Business
- National Post
Ex-head of MLSE Tim Leiweke indicted in U.S. arena bid-rigging scheme
WASHINGTON — Former chief executive officer and president of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Tim Leiweke has been indicted by the U.S. Department of Justice for allegedly orchestrating a conspiracy to rig the bidding process for an arena at a public university in Austin, Texas. Article content It was announced later Wednesday that Leiweke would step down as CEO of Oak View Group, a sports and real estate company he co-founded. He will transition to vice-chairman of OVG's board of directors and remain a shareholder of the company. Article content Article content Article content 'It has been my great honour to help found and lead OVG as it has grown into the special, customer-oriented company it is today,' Leiweke said in a statement. Article content Article content 'I am honoured to serve in this role and am looking forward to working with our deep roster of leaders and talented team as we deliver on our mission to provide the best possible service and outcome for our customers and partners,' said Granger. Article content Leiweke is charged with a violation of Section 1 of the Sherman Act, facing a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a US$1-million fine. Article content According to the DOJ, Leiweke told colleagues a rival company was 'bidding against us' and expressed a desire to 'get them to back down' — a goal he later achieved through a 2018 agreement under which the competitor didn't submit a bid and instead received subcontracts, leaving OVG as the lone qualified bidder. Article content None of the allegations have been proven in court. Article content Article content The project became the Moody Center, home to University of Texas basketball, and opened to the public in April 2022. OVG continues to receive significant revenues from the venue. Article content Article content OVG and Legends Hospitality have agreed to pay $15 million and $1.5 million in penalties, respectively, related to the conduct outlined in the indictment. Article content In a statement that did not mention Leiweke, OVG said it 'co-operated fully with the Antitrust Division's inquiry' and was 'pleased to have resolved this matter with no charges filed against OVG and no admission of fault or wrongdoing.' Article content Leiweke also said he was pleased that OVG resolved its DOJ inquiry without any charges filed or admission of wrongdoing. Article content 'The last thing I want to do is distract from the accomplishments of the team or draw focus away from executing for our partners, so the board and I decided that now is the right time to implement the succession plan that was already underway and transition out of the CEO role,' he said in his written statement. 'In my new role as vice chairman of the board and as an OVG shareholder, I remain as committed as ever to the long-term success of the company, and I know OVG, our valued partners, and our customers are in great hands with Chris and the rest of our stellar leaders.'
Vancouver Sun
10-07-2025
- Business
- Vancouver Sun
Ex-head of MLSE Tim Leiweke indicted in U.S. arena bid-rigging scheme
WASHINGTON — Former chief executive officer and president of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Tim Leiweke has been indicted by the U.S. Department of Justice for allegedly orchestrating a conspiracy to rig the bidding process for an arena at a public university in Austin, Texas. It was announced later Wednesday that Leiweke would step down as CEO of Oak View Group, a sports and real estate company he co-founded. He will transition to vice-chairman of OVG's board of directors and remain a shareholder of the company. 'It has been my great honour to help found and lead OVG as it has grown into the special, customer-oriented company it is today,' Leiweke said in a statement. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. The board has appointed Chris Granger, president of OVG360, to serve as interim CEO. 'I am honoured to serve in this role and am looking forward to working with our deep roster of leaders and talented team as we deliver on our mission to provide the best possible service and outcome for our customers and partners,' said Granger. Leiweke is charged with a violation of Section 1 of the Sherman Act, facing a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a US$1-million fine. According to the DOJ, Leiweke told colleagues a rival company was 'bidding against us' and expressed a desire to 'get them to back down' — a goal he later achieved through a 2018 agreement under which the competitor didn't submit a bid and instead received subcontracts, leaving OVG as the lone qualified bidder. None of the allegations have been proven in court. The project became the Moody Center, home to University of Texas basketball, and opened to the public in April 2022. OVG continues to receive significant revenues from the venue. OVG and Legends Hospitality have agreed to pay $15 million and $1.5 million in penalties, respectively, related to the conduct outlined in the indictment. In a statement that did not mention Leiweke, OVG said it 'co-operated fully with the Antitrust Division's inquiry' and was 'pleased to have resolved this matter with no charges filed against OVG and no admission of fault or wrongdoing.' Leiweke also said he was pleased that OVG resolved its DOJ inquiry without any charges filed or admission of wrongdoing. 'The last thing I want to do is distract from the accomplishments of the team or draw focus away from executing for our partners, so the board and I decided that now is the right time to implement the succession plan that was already underway and transition out of the CEO role,' he said in his written statement. 'In my new role as vice chairman of the board and as an OVG shareholder, I remain as committed as ever to the long-term success of the company, and I know OVG, our valued partners, and our customers are in great hands with Chris and the rest of our stellar leaders.' Leiweke was head of MLSE from 2013 to 2015 before moving on to OVG. The company operates dozens of venues across North America, including Seattle's Climate Pledge Arena, London, Ont.'s Canada Life Place and Hamilton's recently renovated TD Coliseum. Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here .
Edmonton Journal
10-07-2025
- Business
- Edmonton Journal
Ex-head of MLSE Tim Leiweke indicted in U.S. arena bid-rigging scheme
Oak View Group co-founder Tim Leiweke looks over a construction fence as construction continues on the New York Islanders UBS Arena, Oct. 7, 2020, in Elmont, N.Y. Photo by Kathy Willens / AP WASHINGTON — Former chief executive officer and president of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Tim Leiweke has been indicted by the U.S. Department of Justice for allegedly orchestrating a conspiracy to rig the bidding process for an arena at a public university in Austin, Texas. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by David Staples, Keith Gerein and others, Oilers news from Cult of Hockey, Ask EJ Anything features, the Noon News Roundup and Under the Dome newsletters. Unlimited online access to Edmonton Journal and 15 news sites with one account. Edmonton Journal ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by David Staples, Keith Gerein and others, Oilers news from Cult of Hockey, Ask EJ Anything features, the Noon News Roundup and Under the Dome newsletters. Unlimited online access to Edmonton Journal and 15 news sites with one account. Edmonton Journal ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors It was announced later Wednesday that Leiweke would step down as CEO of Oak View Group, a sports and real estate company he co-founded. He will transition to vice-chairman of OVG's board of directors and remain a shareholder of the company. 'It has been my great honour to help found and lead OVG as it has grown into the special, customer-oriented company it is today,' Leiweke said in a statement. Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again The board has appointed Chris Granger, president of OVG360, to serve as interim CEO. 'I am honoured to serve in this role and am looking forward to working with our deep roster of leaders and talented team as we deliver on our mission to provide the best possible service and outcome for our customers and partners,' said Granger. Leiweke is charged with a violation of Section 1 of the Sherman Act, facing a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a US$1-million fine. According to the DOJ, Leiweke told colleagues a rival company was 'bidding against us' and expressed a desire to 'get them to back down' — a goal he later achieved through a 2018 agreement under which the competitor didn't submit a bid and instead received subcontracts, leaving OVG as the lone qualified bidder. None of the allegations have been proven in court. The project became the Moody Center, home to University of Texas basketball, and opened to the public in April 2022. OVG continues to receive significant revenues from the venue. OVG and Legends Hospitality have agreed to pay $15 million and $1.5 million in penalties, respectively, related to the conduct outlined in the indictment. In a statement that did not mention Leiweke, OVG said it 'co-operated fully with the Antitrust Division's inquiry' and was 'pleased to have resolved this matter with no charges filed against OVG and no admission of fault or wrongdoing.' Leiweke also said he was pleased that OVG resolved its DOJ inquiry without any charges filed or admission of wrongdoing. 'The last thing I want to do is distract from the accomplishments of the team or draw focus away from executing for our partners, so the board and I decided that now is the right time to implement the succession plan that was already underway and transition out of the CEO role,' he said in his written statement. 'In my new role as vice chairman of the board and as an OVG shareholder, I remain as committed as ever to the long-term success of the company, and I know OVG, our valued partners, and our customers are in great hands with Chris and the rest of our stellar leaders.'
NBC Sports
10-07-2025
- Business
- NBC Sports
Jerry Jones's Legends Hospitality will pay $1.5 million penalty for antitrust violation
The headline? Long-time sports executive Tim Leiweke (older brother of former NFL COO Tod Leiweke) has been indicted on federal bid-rigging charges. Something far more interesting, and potentially far more relevant to the NFL, lurks beneath the top-line news. Tim Leiweke served, until Wednesday, as the CEO of Oak View Group. He resigned due to a problem arising from the construction of the Moody Center at the University of Texas. OVG led the financing and oversaw the development of the arena. Along the way, OVG and Legends Hospitality — founded by Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and the New York Yankees — allegedly committed antitrust violations by (wait for it) colluding. (Sixth Street Partners purchased a controlling interest in Legends four years ago; Jones still owns a piece of the company.) Leiweke allegedly entered into an agreement with Legends to drop its bid to oversee the construction of the arena in exchange for 'lucrative subcontracts.' Leweike then allegedly reneged on the subcontracts. CNBC reports that Legends is expected to pay a $1.5 million penalty for its involvement in the alleged scheme. OVG is expected to pay $15 million. And Leiweke will face an eventual trial, barring a dismissal of the charges or a deal of his own. Leiweke, in a statement issued to Sports Business Journal, says he did nothing wrong. He calls the arrangement with Legends a 'vertical, complementary business partnership' that fully complies with the law. The development comes at a time when the NFL Players Association has secured an arbitration finding that the NFL's Management Council, with the blessing of Commissioner Roger Goodell, urged teams to collude regarding guaranteed contracts for NFL players. As a source familiar with the NFLPA's operations told PFT after it became clear that the NFLPA had hidden the ruling for months, 'a properly functioning union would alert the [Department of Justice's] antitrust division' about the behavior — with the obvious goal of getting the DOJ to investigate whether and to what extent the NFL has engaged (and/or is engaging) in other antitrust violations. Now that it's come to light that the league tried to collude as to player guarantees, maybe an ambitious AUSA will take a closer look at whether supposedly competing businesses have been doing a little colluding (or a lot) in violation of the federal antitrust laws. The fact that the DOJ is currently run by a president who has vowed regarding NFL owners to 'get them all back' won't make that possibility any less likely.
