The ambitious plan to finance a new Cleveland Browns stadium using Ohio’s unclaimed funds has hit a major legal roadblock. A Franklin County judge has elevated a temporary restraining order to a preliminary injunction, officially halting the state’s ability to deploy these funds while a constitutional challenge moves through the courts.
The Legal Conflict Magistrate Jennifer Hunt ruled that the plaintiffs—a group of Democratic lawmakers—demonstrated a “substantial likelihood” of proving the funding plan is unconstitutional. The dispute centers on Ohio’s attempt to use $600 million from nearly $5 billion in unclaimed assets (such as forgotten bank accounts and utility deposits) for the suburban Brook Park stadium project. An additional $400 million had been earmarked for other sports venues across the state.
“The taking to accomplish such good must be for a public use and comply with due process requirements,” Hunt wrote, noting that the current statute fails on both counts.
A Victory for Taxpayer Rights Jeffrey Crossman, a former legislator involved in the lawsuit, hailed the decision as a victory for constitutional safeguards. The court’s recognition that the state cannot simply declare private property abandoned to fund sports infrastructure ensures that billions of dollars remain protected until a final resolution is reached.
Browns Push Ahead Despite Uncertainty Despite the legal setback, the Haslam Sports Group remains committed to its 2029 opening timeline. Mass excavation at the Brook Park site began last week, with a formal groundbreaking still scheduled for April 30.
If the state ultimately loses the case, the Browns’ ownership may be forced to restructure their financing or shoulder a significantly larger portion of the project’s multi-billion dollar cost. For now, the team continues to develop plans for a mixed-use district around the stadium, including a new 4,000-capacity indoor music venue.