Legal Challenge Stops Stadium Funding
A temporary restraining order issued by Franklin County Court of Common Pleas Judge Bill Sperlazzato has prevented Ohio from providing $600 million to the Cleveland Browns for construction of their new Brook Park stadium. The funds, which come from state resources, cannot be used for the next two weeks.
Attorney Jeff Crossman expressed satisfaction with the ruling. "We're pleased that the judge saw things the way we have been seeing them all along, which is that the state's taking of this property is likely improper," Crossman said after the hearing. "The process for which they've failed to undertake needs to be followed, and the state court judge hit the pause button to say that 'Hey, let's verify what they're doing is actually constitutional.'"
Unclaimed Funds Controversy
Earlier this year, state legislators approved a $600 million performance grant for the Browns' stadium project using unclaimed funds. Ohio's Division of Unclaimed Funds manages approximately $4.9 billion, including forgotten bank accounts, utility deposits, and uncashed checks.
During federal court testimony in early December, Unclaimed Funds Finance Director Amy Schellhammer revealed that Ohioans have not received direct notification, nor is information posted on the division's website, regarding plans to take $1.7-1.9 billion in unclaimed funds on January 1, 2026.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
State attorneys have argued they have authority to use the money, while some lawmakers accuse Crossman's legal team of "forum shopping" after a federal judge recently denied a request for a preliminary injunction.
A hearing for a preliminary injunction, which could block the funding while the case proceeds through litigation, is scheduled for January 8.
