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Oak View Group CEO Steps Down Following DOJ Indictment Over UT Arena Bid-Rigging Scandal

Tim Leiweke, the longtime CEO of Oak View Group (OVG), has officially stepped down after being indicted on federal criminal conspiracy charges related to bid-rigging during the University of Texas' $338 million Moody Center arena project in Austin.

The U.S. Department of Justice announced the indictment on Wednesday, accusing Leiweke of conspiring with an unnamed rival bidder to unlawfully manipulate the bidding process in favor of Oak View Group. The indictment alleges that Leiweke and Oak View Group made efforts to induce a competing company to withdraw from the bidding process, ensuring that OVG would secure the contract without legitimate competition.

Details of the Alleged Scheme

According to court filings, the DOJ alleges that Leiweke and his associates colluded with a potential rival to reduce competition for the development and operation of the Moody Center, a state-of-the-art basketball arena located on the University of Texas at Austin campus.

In response to the investigation and associated charges, Oak View Group has agreed to pay $15 million in penalties, while its partner, Legends Hospitality, will pay $1.5 million, the DOJ confirmed.

The DOJ emphasized that the criminal conspiracy undermined the integrity of a public bidding process and hurt taxpayers and public trust.

Industry Ties and Ownership

Legends Hospitality, which partnered with Oak View Group on the Moody Center project, is majority-owned by private equity firm Sixth Street Partners, with minority stakes held by major sports franchises such as the New York Yankees and the Dallas Cowboys.

While Legends has not been criminally charged, the company agreed to the financial settlement in connection with the conduct described in the indictment. Both companies are prominent players in the sports and entertainment venue development space.

Fallout and Leadership Change

Tim Leiweke’s departure from Oak View Group marks a stunning downfall for one of the most prominent executives in the global venue development business. Leiweke, who co-founded OVG and was instrumental in its rapid expansion, has not yet publicly commented on the indictment or his resignation.

The company has not named a successor at the time of this report, but sources say internal leadership restructuring is already underway to stabilize operations amid the scandal.

Moody Center: A High-Profile Project

The Moody Center, which officially opened in 2022, is one of the most high-profile collegiate sports arena developments in the United States. The $338 million venue serves as the home court for the University of Texas men’s and women’s basketball programs and also hosts concerts and other events.

The project was a cornerstone of Oak View Group’s strategy to dominate arena development in both collegiate and professional markets.

Regulatory Implications and Broader Industry Impact

The DOJ’s action signals increased scrutiny over private-public partnerships in large-scale venue deals, particularly those involving universities and public land. Antitrust enforcement in sports and entertainment infrastructure — a historically under-policed sector — may now receive heightened attention.

Legal analysts note that the government’s willingness to seek both criminal charges and financial penalties could set a precedent for future cases involving competitive bidding violations in sports and event development.

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The indictment and leadership shake-up at Oak View Group cast a shadow over one of the largest arena developers in the country. With penalties totaling $16.5 million and a key executive out, the future of OVG's operations — and its involvement in future high-stakes projects — remains uncertain.

As regulatory bodies ramp up enforcement in this space, industry players may need to revisit their internal compliance protocols to avoid similar fallout.