A federal grand jury has brought criminal charges against Timothy Leiweke, a well-known figure in the sports industry, for allegedly orchestrating a bid-rigging conspiracy. The charges relate to the $388 million Moody Center at the University of Texas, a venue that has become a major hub for sports and entertainment.
Prosecutors allege that Leiweke, who was the CEO of Oak View Group, entered into a secret and illegal agreement with a rival firm, Legends Hospitality, between 2018 and 2024. The alleged conspiracy was to manipulate the bidding process for the Moody Center contract by convincing Legends to withdraw its bid.
The indictment claims that Leiweke promised Legends Hospitality lucrative subcontracts on the project in exchange for their agreement to drop out of the bidding. This alleged exchange is at the heart of the criminal case, as it violates federal antitrust laws designed to maintain a fair and competitive marketplace.
The plan reportedly went awry when Leiweke allegedly failed to follow through on his promise of subcontracts. With Legends having already left the race, Leiweke’s company won the contract as the only qualified bidder. The consequences for Leiweke are now severe, as he faces a potential 10-year prison sentence and a substantial fine. His resignation from Oak View Group marks a significant personal and professional setback.