07/08/2025

Cleveland Law Firm Files Suit to Prevent Browns from Using Unclaimed State Funds to Build Domed Stadium

The lawsuit accuses Ohio leaders of "looting" the unclaimed funds

Members of the Cleveland-based Dann Law Firm have officially filed a class action lawsuit in hopes of blocking the use of at least $600 million in unclaimed state funds to help pay for the Browns' planned domed stadium in Brook Park.

The effort is being led, in part, by former Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann and state Rep. Jeffrey Crossman, who previously spoke to reporters about their intentions to go forward with the suit. The complaint seeks an injunction to stop the team from using the unclaimed funds, claiming the money is the "private property" of Ohio citizens and any attempt to divert it towards "private stadium construction" would be unconstitutional.

The Browns are seeking to break ground on the roughly $2.4 billion Brook Park stadium sometime early next year. They have asked for $1.2 billion in taxpayer funds from state, county and local revenue streams to help finance the project; after months of debate, the Ohio General Assembly opted last month to allocate $600 million in residents' unclaimed dollars as part of the state's biennial budget. Governor Mike DeWine signed the measure into law a week ago.

Please select this link to read the complete article from WBNS-10TV.