By Marvin McCoy

Based on a recent letter submitted to your blog, it certainly appears the owners of the Los Angeles Rams and the Los Angeles Clippers may be quietly distancing themselves from Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts Jr. and the City Council.

Both organizations—having poured billions into their respective world-class stadium and arena—are now showing signs of frustration with City Hall.

Despite these monumental private investments that have transformed Inglewood’s skyline and economy, the letter’s tone suggests growing tension—possibly over political decisions, shifting city priorities, or unfulfilled commitments. If billion-dollar partners are suddenly questioning the relationship, one has to ask: what happened behind closed doors to sour the honeymoon?

Dean Spanos, Stan Kroenke and Mayor James T. Butts (Facebook / City of Inglewood Government)

To counter the argument in the letter—that Kroenke and Ballmer, by taking legal action against the City of Inglewood and WOW Media, are “biting the hands that feed them”—I’d argue the opposite.

Once the Mayor and City Council accepted millions in campaign contributions from these billionaire owners, a transactional bond was formed. Like it or not, that bond implied City Hall would, at least in part, operate in alignment with the interests of these benefactors—until the benefactors decided the arrangement no longer served them.

So is this really “biting the hand that feeds,” or is it Kroenke and Ballmer asserting their right to protect their investments—investments tied to an expectation of unwavering loyalty, even if that loyalty comes at the expense of taxpayers and business owners who oppose their ventures?

Let’s not be naïve—this has always been a one-sided relationship, transactional at best. The “public-private partnership” label may sound appealing, but the Mayor’s own words are telling: when people invest billions in a city, they expect to be heard.

If I were advising Mayor Butts and the city council, I’d tell them this: WOW Media isn’t the hill to die on—especially with election season right around the corner.

And frankly, the damage may already be done. I can’t imagine any scenario where Kroenke or Ballmer will bankroll candidates next cycle. Trust has been broken, and deep-pocketed donors rarely invest in officials they no longer trust.

Marvin McCoy is a long-time Inglewood resident.

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