A Dallas resident is threatening to sue the city over its involvement in funding the Dallas Wings’ $81 million practice facility, arguing the project violates state law and the city charter by misusing public funds for private gain.
Steven Nordseth, a Dallas mortgage lender, sent a formal 60-day notice of intent to sue on Monday, sending the three-page document to City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert, City Attorney Tammy Palomino and City Secretary Bilierae Johnson.
Nordseth argued the city’s plan to fund the 70,000-square-foot practice facility in Joey Georgusis Park lacks sufficient public benefit and violates the Texas Constitution, which prohibits using public funds to benefit private enterprises.
Nordseth also argued the city is illegally diverting money collected through a 2% increase in hotel occupancy taxes, approved by voters in 2022. These funds are specifically designated for projects related to the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center and Fair Park.
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“This is just so egregious,” Nordseth told The Dallas Morning News. “This is a case where they’re spending money to benefit a private enterprise, and there’s just not the return or benefit to the taxpayers.”
Nick Starling, a city spokesman, confirmed the city received Nordseth’s notice and that the city was declining to comment further. Pam Flenke, a spokeswoman for the Wings, also said the team was declining to comment.
The Dallas City Council approved a revised version of the practice facility deal Wednesday, shifting responsibility for building the training center from the city to the Wings. Under the revised agreement, the city will contribute no more than $57 million, with city officials on Wednesday saying $2.75 million had already been spent on the project so far.
Nordseth said he wasn’t surprised the deal was approved but hopes city officials will reconsider spending so much money on the project.
The building was initially planned to open this spring, but is now expected to be completed in spring 2027, a year later than originally promised. The project’s budget also ballooned by $27 million, from $54 million to $81 million.
Greg Bibb, CEO and managing partner of the Wings, defended the project’s cost after the deal was approved Wednesday, telling The News the $81 million price tag reflects current market conditions and is necessary to keep the team competitive in the WNBA.
The Wings’ practice facility is one of several new WNBA training centers under construction. The Los Angeles Sparks recently broke ground on a $150 million, 55,000-square-foot facility set to open next year, while the Chicago Sky is nearing completion on a $60 million, 80,000-square-foot facility expected to open this spring.
In his notice, Nordseth demanded the city halt all funding for the project, rescind the original 2024 agreement and explore lower-cost alternatives, such as using the American Airlines Center. If the city fails to comply within 60 days, he plans to file a lawsuit seeking to void the contract and block further spending.
“I’m trying to use every bit of ammo that I can think of that can shut this down,” Nordseth said. “That’s what my goal is.”
Nordseth plans to sue under Proposition S, a charter amendment approved by voters in November 2024 that allows residents to bring lawsuits against the city to enforce compliance with the city charter, city ordinances and state law.
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Damien LeVeck, executive director of Dallas HERO, the nonprofit that introduced Proposition S, is Nordseth’s son-in-law. LeVeck published a thread on X earlier this week, urging the city to “immediately withdraw its commitment” to the Wings and suggesting legal action as a solution.
Attorney General Ken Paxton last month sued Dallas, arguing that officials were violating the city charter by underfunding the police department. Dallas HERO had warned of potential legal action for months before the lawsuit was filed.
Staff writer Myah Taylor contributed to this report.
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