Former MLSE CEO Tim Leiweke indicted by U.S. DOJ for bid-rigging a Texas arena project. Faces up to 10 years in prison and $1M US fine.
Ex-MLSE Head Charged in U.S. Antitrust Arena Probe
Canadian executive at centre of U.S. criminal antitrust case
Tim Leiweke, former president and CEO of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), has been indicted by the U.S. Department of Justice for allegedly rigging the bidding process for a university sports arena in Austin, Texas. The American-born executive, well known in Canada for leading Toronto’s major sports franchises, now faces serious federal antitrust charges.
U.S. prosecutors allege suppressed competition
According to court documents unsealed this week, Leiweke—currently CEO of Oak View Group (OVG)—is accused of violating Section 1 of the Sherman Antitrust Act. The indictment alleges that in 2018, he coordinated with a rival firm to withdraw its bid for the University of Texas arena project in exchange for subcontracting opportunities, effectively leaving OVG as the sole eligible bidder.
Project led to creation of the Moody Center in Austin
The venue at the heart of the case, now known as the Moody Center, officially opened in April 2022 as the home of Texas Longhorns basketball. OVG, which led the development, continues to benefit financially from the facility’s operations. The alleged collusion dates back to the early planning stages when competition for the project was underway.
Charges carry steep penalties under U.S. law
Leiweke is charged with conspiracy to restrain trade—an offence punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $1 million US fine. The U.S. Department of Justice emphasized that the integrity of public contracting is critical and that collusion harms taxpayers and institutions. The allegations have not yet been proven in court.
OVG and partners agree to pay civil penalties
While OVG itself has not been criminally charged, the company has agreed to pay $15 million US in civil penalties. Its partner, Legends Hospitality, will pay an additional $1.5 million. OVG stated it “fully cooperated with the Antitrust Division’s inquiry” and resolved the matter without admitting fault or wrongdoing. Leiweke’s name was not included in the corporate statement.
Canadian business community watching closely
Leiweke, who led MLSE from 2013 to 2015, was instrumental in reshaping Toronto’s sports landscape, including the development of BMO Field and the Raptors’ transformation into NBA champions. His indictment raises questions about accountability at the executive level, with implications for governance across the sports and real estate sectors.
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