The Southern Truth: Billionaires Cry Foul as Inglewood Stands Its Ground
L-R) Gillian Zucker, Steve Ballmer, Adam Silver, Mayor James T. Butts and Mayor Karen Bass during the announcement that the NBA 2026 All-Star games will be played in the Intuit Stadium when completed 2024. Photo by Gloria Zuurveen
By Dr. Gloria Zuurveen, Editor-in-Chief
After Judge Maurice Leiter ruled last August against granting an injunction to block the billboard contract that the City of Inglewood signed with another vendor, billionaires Stan Kroenke and Steve Ballmer have now bound together to try and get in on the action of a perpetual revenue stream currently flowing through a prime location. This is an area where media consistently streams on the scene, giving drivers and strollers alike the opportunity to view the kiosks up and down near the Intuit Dome and SoFi Stadium. But these two billionaires do not benefit from all of this revenue.
No, they don’t—and they are fighting mad.
Los Angeles Rams owner Stan Kroenke and Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts, Jr. Photo by Gloria Zuurveen
So much so that they have done what they do best: used up the court system to protest. This is happening in the City of Inglewood, nine square miles of power and prestige.
So thank God for Judge Maurice Leiter, who had the courage to follow the law and deny them the right to an injunction. They needed to be stopped—especially since they had the first shot. Praise God, Judge Leiter’s ruling will not change the plan for Inglewood to continue to prosper, because the City contracted a powerful plan to build wealth and prosperity on its own land, with contracts that will benefit the city even while it sleeps. That is fiscal responsibility.
Roger Goodell, commissioner of the National Football League (NFL),Los Angeles Rams owner Stan Kroenke and Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts, Jr. Photo by Gloria Zuurveen
Kudos to Inglewood City Attorney Louis “Skip” Miller, who spoke with authority on the matter when he said:
“This isn’t about SoFi and what’s already been built. It’s about public funds being paid to a private party going forward—for which the law requires a valid agreement.”
It’s a sad story that Kroenke and Ballmer can’t get the revenue glory. No. They had the first opportunity. They were first at the table—but they rejected the plan put forth in the deal. Now they are crying foul because the City of Inglewood is under a contract, and it is sealed. Especially now that Judge Leiter has had his say, this is a very sad day for Kroenke and Ballmer—at least when it comes to what Kroenke wants to label “billboards.”
Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts, Jr. Speaking at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood.
But he must remember: this is a new day. Billboards are almost considered antiquated when compared to high-tech digital media.
Because they failed to capture the vision for future growth when they had the chance—at a far lower cost—to enhance the sports and entertainment plan, the true testament now is this: media-driven ideas like the WOW kiosks are proving to be a mighty fine investment.
So there you have it—a fight by two billionaires, Kroenke and Ballmer. What are they to do? It appears they have met their match in Mayor James T. Butts, who sits firmly on his throne and admits they have done no wrong, stating plainly that he is only looking out for the best interests of his city and the place over 109,000 people call home.
Today’s battle by Kroenke and Ballmer is simply evidence that billionaires are no different when it comes to allegiance. There is none.
WOW Kiosk on Manchester Blvd in Inglewood. Photo by Gloria Zuurveen
But Inglewood and its government are practicing good governance and stewardship, while the two cronies are starting a mess. Why? Because while the power of the hour may be sports and entertainment, media—like the WOW kiosks—are proving to be a mighty fine investment.
That’s the Southern Truth.
And I was just having my say about what is happening in the City of Inglewood today.
