Timothy Leiweke, once considered a titan in the sports management industry, now faces the prospect of spending up to ten years in federal prison following his indictment on bid-rigging charges related to the University of Texas’s $388 million Moody Center project. The impressive facility, which has generated substantial revenue since its opening in April 2022, has become the focal point of a federal investigation that threatens to expose widespread corruption in major sports facility development. Leiweke’s previously celebrated career, including leadership positions with prestigious organizations like the Denver Nuggets and MLSE, has been completely overshadowed by these serious federal allegations.
The federal prosecution has constructed a detailed case spanning six years of alleged criminal activity between 2018 and 2024. The indictment describes how Leiweke allegedly coordinated with executives at Legends Hospitality to systematically manipulate the competitive bidding process for the Moody Center project. This coordination reportedly involved secret agreements designed to eliminate legitimate competition and ensure Leiweke’s organization would secure the massive contract without facing genuine market competition from qualified competitors.
The alleged conspiracy centered on a corrupt arrangement where Legends Hospitality would withdraw their competitive bid for the arena project in exchange for promises of valuable subcontracting opportunities. This arrangement would have allowed Leiweke’s company to win the project unopposed while providing Legends Hospitality with alternative revenue streams as compensation for their cooperation. The plan represented a clear violation of competitive bidding principles designed to protect public institutions from corruption and ensure fair market pricing.
The conspiracy allegedly collapsed when Leiweke failed to honor his commitments to Legends Hospitality after securing the Moody Center contract. This breach of their illicit agreement has now exposed the entire operation to federal scrutiny, leading to serious criminal charges that could end his career and freedom. Having already resigned from his executive position at Oak View Group, Leiweke faces not only the possibility of a decade in federal prison but also substantial financial penalties that could destroy his accumulated wealth from a previously successful career in sports business management.
