Steve Ballmer Sues Inglewood and WOW Media Over Legal Dispute

Legal Battle Over Billboard Lease Agreement

Inglewood, California has become the center of a legal dispute involving major sports and entertainment figures. Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, along with his companies Murphy’s Bowl LLC and Forum Entertainment LLC, has filed a 447-page writ of mandate in Los Angeles Superior Court on August 5. This legal action seeks injunctive relief from the city of Inglewood and WOW Media Inc. over a controversial billboard lease agreement approved by the City Council on April 15.

This latest filing follows a similar 337-page writ of mandate submitted by companies associated with Stan Kroenke earlier this month. The petitioners and plaintiffs, Forum Entertainment LLC and Murphy’s Bowl LLC, argue that the City of Inglewood violated its own charter and municipal code by approving the lease agreement with WOW Media Inc. The agreement allows for the installation of at least 18 full-motion billboards, each up to 22 feet tall, in public sidewalks and medians surrounding the Forum and Intuit Dome projects.

The lease agreement, titled “Lease and Development Agreement with WOW,” grants WOW rights to erect these billboards near several high-profile locations, including SoFi Stadium, Hollywood Park Casino, YouTube Theater, and other facilities within the Hollywood Park area. A total of 60 digital signs and 108 digital screens have been approved under the agreement. According to the filing, 40% of the gross revenue generated by these billboards would be paid to the city as “percentage rent.”

Notably, the only prior indication of the pending approval was an agenda posted on the city’s website just hours before a Tuesday afternoon hearing. The Forum and Intuit Dome projects received no advance notice and only learned about the agreement in late May 2025.

Controversial Language and Legal Challenges

Despite being labeled as “kiosks” in the agreement, the language clearly defines “Billboards” to include all forms of advertising displays, such as static, digital, and multi-faceted displays. This broad definition raises concerns about potential future technological advancements and their impact on the city's regulations.

Both Ballmer and Kroenke have enlisted the legal expertise of Gibson Dunn & Crutcher to pursue their case against the city. This situation has placed Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts Jr. in a difficult position, especially since two of his council members, Dionne Faulk and Eloy Morales Jr., hold law degrees.

The primary issue at hand is the potential competition between the existing billboards around Hollywood Park and the Intuit Dome and the new 18 digital kiosks proposed by WOW Media. Legal analysts suggest that Ballmer and Kroenke are arguing that the lease agreement could negatively affect future billboard revenue, even though this revenue has not yet materialized.

Public Concern and Financial Implications

Residents of Inglewood are also concerned about the financial burden of these legal battles. Taxpayers are footing the bill for the legal fees, much like they did when MSG sued the city over similar issues. The ongoing litigation has raised questions about whether the city will be able to manage these costs effectively.

Meanwhile, the Hollywood Park Casino is seeking to expand its digital presence. They are set to face a significant public hearing on August 12 regarding an application to replace existing billboards with taller ones near Home Depot on La Cienega Blvd. and near the 105 Freeway at Imperial Hwy and Prairie Ave.

The City Council has given Mayor Butts the authority to negotiate all agreements, which has created tension between him and two of the most prominent billionaires in the sports world. This dynamic has led to public opposition from Ballmer and Kroenke, who have written letters opposing the city’s actions alongside Congresswoman Maxine Waters.

Ongoing Questions and Future Outlook

As the legal challenges continue, questions remain about the future of the Inglewood Transit Connector project, which aimed to relieve parking and traffic congestion by connecting the Metro K Line to the Sports and Entertainment District. Mayor Butts’ leadership is under scrutiny, and the upcoming election adds another layer of complexity to the situation.

Will Mayor Butts be able to navigate these legal challenges and maintain public support? Will WOW Media Inc. proceed with the construction of the new 18 digital kiosks while the legal battle continues? And how much additional cost will taxpayers incur due to these lawsuits?

These questions highlight the broader implications of the legal disputes in Inglewood, as residents and stakeholders await clarity on the future of their community.