A class action lawsuit filed in Franklin County court claims that the Ohio Republican plan to finance a new dome stadium for the Cleveland Browns using residents’ unclaimed funds breaches multiple state and federal constitutional provisions. The suit, brought by former Ohio Attorney General Mark Dunn and ex-state Rep. Jeffrey Crossman—both Democrats—represents three Ohio residents and all others with unclaimed funds held by the state as of June 30, 2025.
The lawsuit argues that diverting money from Ohio’s unclaimed funds to finance the new stadium in Brook Park, near Cleveland, violates a constitutional prohibition against the government seizing private property for its own use. The city of Cleveland opposed this stadium funding plan.
The challenge targets parts of Ohio’s two-year $60 billion budget, which redirects over $1 billion in unclaimed funds towards the state’s cultural and sports facility performance grants, including $600 million earmarked as the initial grant to the Browns. While Republican Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost opposed this use of unclaimed funds and urged Governor DeWine to reject it, the governor believes the plan is legally permissible.
Fan Take: This lawsuit highlights the ongoing tension over public funding for NFL stadiums, a topic that directly affects fans who want modern facilities but also wish to see taxpayer money used responsibly. The outcome could influence how future stadiums are financed nationwide, potentially impacting team locations and fan experiences.
