Inglewood won a court ruling that upholds its long-term billboard agreement with WOW Media, rejecting two lawsuits from Hollywood Park that challenged the deal and sought about $400 million. The city successfully argued that the developer’s relied-upon agreement was unenforceable because it originated as a voter initiative. Mayor James T. Butts called the matter a business dispute and said World Cup events at SoFi Stadium remain unaffected. Hollywood Park plans to appeal, while WOW praised the decision for securing ongoing revenue for the city.
Inglewood Wins Court Ruling Upholding Billboard Deal as World Cup Draws Crowds
LOS ANGELES — The city of Inglewood scored a legal victory this week as a Los Angeles Superior Court judge upheld its long-term agreement with digital-billboard operator WOW Media, rejecting two lawsuits filed by Hollywood Park, the developer behind SoFi Stadium.
Hollywood Park — the expansive mixed-use development controlled by billionaire Stan Kroenke, which includes the $5 billion-plus SoFi Stadium — sued after the city approved a deal last year allowing WOW to install digital signs in public rights-of-way around Inglewood, including areas near the stadium. One suit alleged the billboard pact "siphons" revenue from the developer’s property. The other sought roughly $400 million, claiming the city owed reimbursement for public infrastructure upgrades once certain tax-revenue triggers were met.
The city argued the development agreement Hollywood Park cited was unenforceable because it originated as a voter-approved initiative rather than through a legislative act, which is the more typical mechanism for binding municipal agreements. In a ruling dated Tuesday, the court found the city’s agreement with WOW lawful and enforceable.
In an interview with POLITICO, Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts downplayed tensions, calling Hollywood Park a "great partner" and saying "there is no animosity between" the city and the property owner. He added that the litigation has not dampened excitement around the World Cup.
"We're appreciative for the partnership that we've had," Butts said. "And I believe that these issues will be worked out as they should be — during negotiation. This is just a great time for us, and it's a great time for SoFi."
SoFi Stadium, which opened in 2020, is hosting eight World Cup matches and has attracted tens of thousands of visitors to Inglewood — a city of roughly 100,000 just southwest of Los Angeles. Organizers and officials report the tournament events there have proceeded without major incident.
Hollywood Park said it plans to appeal the decision. "We respectfully disagree with the Court’s decision regarding the City’s long-term agreement with WOW and continue to believe that leasing public rights-of-way in this manner is inconsistent with state and municipal law," a spokesperson said, adding that the developer remains committed to investing in Inglewood.
WOW CEO Scott Krantz welcomed the ruling, saying the agreement delivers "significant, ongoing revenue" to the city and that the company looks forward to strengthening its partnership with Inglewood.
Mayor Butts described the dispute as a "business dispute" and emphasized the city's right to self-determination. He also noted that SoFi — which is home to the Los Angeles Rams and Chargers — will be a venue for the 2028 Summer Olympics opening ceremony and swimming events. Inglewood recently prevailed in a separate legal challenge from the owner of the nearby Intuit Dome as well.
A representative of Intuit Dome did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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