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Donor Brian Kennedy is suing USC.
Prominent USC athletics donor Brian Kennedy is suing the university. He alleges “humiliation,” “embarrassment,” and “reputational harm.”
The suit revolves around the demolition of a practice field, as well as the construction of a new facility. The Trojans, according to his claims, are breaching a previously agreed upon naming rights contract.
Kennedy’s lawsuit comes with the program gearing up for the 2026 college football season. He feels wronged. He wants the university to pay.
Mega-donor sues USC.
The California Post published a story on the dispute this week. It broke down the details of the disagreement alongside some background on the situation.
Kennedy gave $400,000 in the late 1990s to construct a new practice field for the football program. It was completed in four months in 1998. In return, he says the university agreed to have the field named in his honor for “forever.”
The Trojans won two national titles with players practicing at Brian Kennedy Field. Now, they’re upgrading.
A state-of-the-art football performance facility is under construction. The old field is no more. It appears Kennedy’s tie to the practice field will end with its demolition.
Plaintiff suffered harm as a result of Defendant’s actions, including reputational harm, embarrassment, humiliation and the loss of the benefit of the deal made with Defendant and the condition upon which Plaintiff paid $400,000.
-Brian Kennedy’s lawsuit
He calls the decision “fraudulent,” and a “willful” violation of the naming rights deal. He does not believe the school had the right to tear down the field or remove affiliated signage and plaques recognizing his contributions.
As a result, he’s going to court. It’s the latest criticism of the major donor, who’s given millions to the university.
Who is Brian Kennedy?
Kennedy is a longstanding supporter of the athletics program. He started attending games before 1950. He’s been a prominent donor for at least 30 years. Maybe longer. Of late, his financial generosity has dwindled.
Kennedy started a billboard company in Southern California called Regency Outdoor Advertising. It owns marketing locations in high-demand spots, including the Sunset Strip and LAX.
He’d previously used his wealth to support USC sports. Tensions have led to a shift in thinking.
Things began going south in 2014. Kennedy wanted the program to hire Ed Orgeron over Steve Sarkisian. Orgeron had taken over after Lane Kiffin was fired midseason. He went 6-2 to lead the Trojans to a bowl game.
Kennedy wanted the interim tag removed. AD Pat Haden went another direction.
“They double-crossed him, and they double-crossed me. That was a big mistake.”
-Brian Kennedy
Orgeron went onto win a national championship at LSU. Sarkisian was gone after 18 games. Kennedy stopped giving to the program, which he publicly called “dogs—.”
In all, the Post says Kennedy has given $4 million to the Trojans. Now, the donor is suing USC. The relationship has deteriorated completely.
Whether or not he has a case is up for debate. Technically, Kennedy’s name was on the field for which he donated $400,000 for the entirety of its existence. Now, that field is gone.
Is USC obligated to put his name on the new facility, or has it honored its end of the bargain? Let us know in the comments below.