Friday, July 17, 2026
Law

Carolina Panthers Owner Being Investigated for Failed HQ Project

  • David Tepper and his real estate development arm are under investigation by the York County sheriff’s office.
  • The investigation is over the use of public money used for the construction of a failed team facility project.
Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper on sideline of NFL game
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Carolina Panthers and owner David Tepper continue to face issues over a failed $800 million team headquarters project in Rock Hill, South Carolina. 

Tepper — the third-richest sports team owner in America with a net worth of $18.5 billion, per Forbes — and his development arm GT Real Estate are under investigation by the York County sheriff’s office over the use of public money for the construction of the ill-fated project. 

Rock Hill had agreed to cover a portion of infrastructure costs for the facility, which began construction in 2020. The project was paused in March 2022 when Rock Hill missed a payment

  • GT Real Estate filed for bankruptcy in June after investing more than $170 million.
  • York County gave $21 million to GT Real Estate and sought to be repaid.
  • Plans for the facility included a 5,000-seat stadium and indoor practice center.
  • The project was officially nixed when the 245-acre site was put up for sale in October. 

In November, Rock Hill agreed to a $20 million settlement with GT Real Estate, which equates to what the city invested. An approved settlement would require GT Real Estate and Rock Hill to drop their lawsuits, which blame each other for the short-lived plan.

Partially built structure at Rock Hill Development, the proposed new practice facility of the Carolina Panthers

Carolina Panthers, Rock Hill Settle on Failed $800M Project

Rock Hill has agreed to a $20 million settlement.
November 15, 2022

Payment Plan 

In August, GT Real Estate submitted a plan to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court to repay creditors and resolve all claims.

GT Real Estate would put $60.5 million into a trust dedicated to paying back creditors and contractors, while also paying York County what is owed.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Tom's Watch Bar

Sports Bars Are Cashing In From Summer of Soccer

The World Cup has brought a windfall to America’s biggest sports bars.
Nate Burleson Front Office Sports

Nate Burleson: ‘I’d Gladly Take a Pay Cut’ for CBS to Hire Travis Kelce

Burleson also had high praise for CBS’s hiring of Russell Wilson.
Jun 16, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; France forward Michael Olise (11) controls the ball against Senegal during a Group I match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at New York New Jersey Stadium

Where World Cup Stars Go to Customize Their Cleats

The world’s best players turn to a Scottish craftsman for perfect cleats.
Former NFL Coache Jon Gruden have a laugh while attending an NFL training camp session ten at the Miller Electric Center, Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

Can Jon Gruden Reinvent Himself on Play-by-Play?

Gruden will reportedly call a Buccaneers’ preseason game next month.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

7/17/26 – World Cup Final Preview Prices, Bam-Herro Aftermath, LeBron’s Waiting Game

0:00

Featured Today

What the World Cup Means to Erling Haaland’s Tiny Hometown

The tournament’s breakout star is from a rural Norwegian town.
July 10, 2026

Why So Many Media Outlets Are Rushing Into Sports

Sports coverage has ballooned in every corner of media.
Pillow Fight Championship
July 8, 2026

How Obscure Sports Get Mainstream TV Deals

For niche sports, getting on TV often matters more than getting paid.
ATLANTA, GA - September 05: Georgia Lottery fireworks after the game against the Seattle Mariners at Truist Park on Friday, September 5, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.
July 2, 2026

Inside the Spectacle and Science of MLB Fireworks

Postgame fireworks are lighting up baseball for America250.
Kansas City Chiefs
July 1, 2026

NFL Teams Push to Turn Futbol Fans Into Football Devotees

NFL teams are courting international soccer fans during their World Cup visits.

MSG Dodges Data-Breach Suits But Lawyer Warns Privacy Fight Isn’t Over

“We’re only hitting the tip of the iceberg,” one attorney said.
Gavel
July 14, 2026

Key Figure in Basketball Gambling Scandals to Plead Guilty in Poker Case

Shane Hennen is a defendant in three gambling-related scandals.
July 14, 2026

The Most Powerful Lawyer in Sports Is Representing Paramount

Kessler is defending Paramount’s merger with WBD against antitrust claims.
Sponsored

Clase Azul Tequila Founder’s Soccer Ownership

Arturo Lomeli talks about managing a tequila brand and two soccer clubs.
FILE PHOTO: The company logo for Ticket reseller StubHub, is displayed on a screen during the IPO at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York City, U.S., September 17, 2025.
July 14, 2026

StubHub CEO Sued for Ties to Hedge Fund That Resells Tickets

Up to 80% of tickets available on secondary sites are sold by ticket scalpers.
May 4, 2017; Columbus, OH, USA; The BYU Cougars against the Long Beach State 49ers at St. John Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
July 13, 2026

Why Stephen F. Austin Volleyball Players Are Suing Their School

Both players were cut from the team following the 2025–26 season.
February 20, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; NBA great George Gervin is honored for being selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team during halftime in the 2022 NBA All-Star Game at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
First at FOS
July 13, 2026

George Gervin Also Loses Initial Attempt to Trademark Iceman

“There are a lot of Icemens,” IP attorney Josh Gerben tells FOS.
Jan 17, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier (2) drives to the basket against the Denver Nuggets during the fourth quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
July 8, 2026

Judge Deals Blow to Rozier’s NBA Comeback Bid

Rozier was arrested in October as part of the federal gambling probe.