Why is LA Rams owner Stan Kroenke facing a lawsuit? $16.9 billion-worth NFL owner facing pushback over $1-valued property

Stan Kroenke has a net worth of $16.9 billion, as per Forbes, and has a vast sports empire that includes the Los Angeles Rams, Denver Nuggets, Colorado Rapids, Colorado Avalanche and Arsenal FC. According to Pro Football Talk, the Los Angeles Rams owner is facing a lawsuit from the St. Louis Sports Authority.

Why is Stan Kroenke facing a lawsuit?

According to the report, the St. Louis Sports Authority has filed a lawsuit attempting to block Stan Kroenke from buying the Rams’ former practice facility for $1. Kroenke’s NFL franchise left St. Louis in 2016, but now the billionaire is attempting to purchase the team's former practice facility, which they occupied when they resided in St. Louis.

The case revolves around the difference between termination and expiration. If the lease terminates, then Kroenke can purchase the property for $1. It has expired. but does that constitute termination?

According to the report, five years ago, after the St. Louis Sports Authority paid $300,000 in legal fees, the $1 provision was upheld as lawful. In a recent press release, St. Louis County Executive Director Sam Page said:

"This is a fight worth having. We cannot allow a $25 million facility to be turned over for $1 to an individual who has shown time and again he has no interest in the St. Louis region.”

It's clear to see that there's no love lost between St. Louis and Stan Kroenke. The new report comes just under three years after Kroenke, the NFL and numerous St. Louis parties agreed to a $790 million settlement to end a long-term lawsuit pertaining to damages and restitution of profits involved in the Rams' move from St. Louis to Los Angeles.

In the meantime, Kroenke and the Rams have a 2-4 record in the 2024 NFL season. They're aiming for a win in Week 8 to boost their chances of yet another postseason run under head coach Sean McVay.