Timothy Leiweke Antitrust Bid-Rigging Case
Case Timeline
Bid-Rigging Conspiracy Begins (Early 2018)
According to prosecutors, Timothy Leiweke and Oak View Group began a conspiracy to rig the bidding process for the development, management, and use of the Moody Center at the University of Texas at Austin.
Secret Agreement with Legends (2018)
Leiweke allegedly struck a secret agreement with competitor Legends Hospitality:
- Legends would withdraw from consideration for the arena project
- In exchange, Legends would receive subcontracting work from Oak View Group
- This eliminated competition and rigged the bidding process
Moody Center Opens (2022)
The $375 million Moody Center opened on the University of Texas at Austin campus, serving as home to Texas Longhorns basketball with capacity of approximately 15,000 for basketball and 16,000+ for concerts.
Oak View Group $250,000 Inauguration Donation (Early 2025)
Oak View Group donated $250,000 to President Trump’s inauguration fund in early 2025.
Federal Indictment (July 9, 2025)
A federal grand jury indicted Leiweke on:
Violation of Section 1 of the Sherman Antitrust Act - Conspiracy to rig bidding
- Maximum Penalty: 10 years in prison and $1 million fine
Prosecutors alleged the conspiracy ran from early 2018 through June 2024.
Corporate Penalties (July 2025)
| Company | Penalty | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Oak View Group | $15 million | Neither admitted nor denied guilt |
| Legends Hospitality | $1.5 million | Neither admitted nor denied guilt |
Leiweke Steps Down as CEO (July 9, 2025)
Following the indictment, Leiweke stepped down as CEO of Oak View Group, taking a position as Vice Chair pending the outcome of the litigation.
Trey Gowdy Representation (2025)
Leiweke retained Trey Gowdy to represent him in his appeal for clemency:
- Former Republican Congressman
- Current host of Sunday evening Fox News show
- Served on Trump’s impeachment defense team in 2019
- Well-known Trump ally
Pardon (December 2, 2025)
President Trump issued a “full and unconditional pardon” for Tim Leiweke, just 5 months after Trump’s own Department of Justice charged him.
Leiweke’s Response:
“This has been a long and difficult journey for my wife, my daughter, and me. The President has given us a new lease on life with which we will be grateful and good stewards.”
Background
Timothy Joseph Leiweke (born April 21, 1957) is a widely respected sports and entertainment industry leader with over 30 years of experience.
Career Highlights
- Oak View Group (OVG) - Co-founder and CEO (2015-2025); currently Vice Chair
- Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) - President and CEO (2013-2015)
- Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) - President and CEO (1996-2013)
Notable Achievements
- Helped stabilize the Denver Nuggets franchise in the 1990s
- Led development of Climate Pledge Arena (Seattle) and UBS Arena (NY Islanders)
- Held roughly 4% stake in AEG as of 2012
- Known for relationship with Denver-based billionaire Philip Anschutz
The Moody Center
The arena at the center of the bid-rigging scheme:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | University of Texas at Austin campus |
| Cost | $375 million |
| Opened | 2022 |
| Capacity | ~15,000 (basketball); 16,000+ (concerts) |
| Primary Tenants | Texas Longhorns basketball |
| Management | Oak View Group |
Donation & Lobbying Connections
Inauguration Fund Donation
- Oak View Group donated $250,000 to Trump’s inauguration fund
- Documented in records reviewed by TheWrap
Legal Representation
- Trey Gowdy - Former GOP congressman, Fox News host, Trump impeachment defense team member
- Represented Leiweke in clemency appeal
Analysis
This pardon is notable for several reasons:
-
Pardoned own DOJ’s case - Trump pardoned Leiweke just 5 months after Trump’s own Department of Justice indicted him
-
Inauguration donation - OVG donated $250,000 to Trump’s inauguration fund before the pardon
-
Trey Gowdy connection - Leiweke was represented by prominent Trump ally and Fox News host
-
Corporate penalties stand - While Leiweke was pardoned, OVG still paid $15 million in penalties
-
“Pro-white collar crime” criticism - Antitrust advocate Matt Stoller accused Trump of advancing a “pro-white collar crime agenda” by using pardons to “rescue fraudsters from prison time”
-
No trial - Like several other Trump pardons, this came before any trial took place
Sources
- CNN - Trump Pardons Tim Leiweke
- The Wrap - Trump Pardons Tim Leiweke
- NBC News - Trump Pardons Sports Executive
- Denver Post - Trump Pardons Former Nuggets President
- Variety - Tim Leiweke Steps Down as CEO
- Sportico - Tim Leiweke Pardoned
- DOJ Pardon Warrant
- Common Dreams - Trump Pardons Former Executive