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Founders challenge Coliseum negotiations as county reports progress with Oakland Acquisition Company
Summary
Founders of the African American Sports and Entertainment Group publicly objected to negotiations tied to the Oakland Coliseum and said key cofounders were excluded; county counsel reported closed‑session work with the Oakland Acquisition Company and said the board remains committed to closing the transaction while also authorizing a $2.5 million settlement in a separate federal case.
Founders and partners of the African American Sports and Entertainment Group (AASeg) urged Alameda County supervisors on Jan. 7 to halt or delay any action related to negotiations involving Ray Bobbitt and affiliated entities, saying cofounders have been excluded from discussions and that litigation involving some founders makes board action premature.
Kareem Mahamed and Brian Dixon, who identified themselves as cofounders, told the board they were left out of meetings and negotiations and said a lawsuit and arbitration between cofounders remains pending in Alameda County; they asked the board to avoid votes or agreements until internal disputes are resolved. "Any action or vote taken in regard to the AASCG, the Oakland Acquisition Company, or any entity tied to Mr. Bobbitt, the vote on this is premature," one speaker said.
County counsel reported out of closed session that the board had discussed the real estate transaction at the Oakland Coliseum and negotiations with the Oakland Acquisition Company (OAC). Counsel said staff had "been working feverishly with OAC to try to bring these negotiations to a close," urged OAC to provide final documents consistent with mutually desired terms, and said the board was committed to seeing the transaction close if terms are met.
Counsel also reported that the board previously authorized settlement authority in Wilson v. County of Alameda (N.D. Cal.) and that the matter had been settled for $2,500,000. The board additionally authorized retention of outside counsel for the Crane Ridge matter.
Why it matters: The Coliseum site involves complex real estate, public‑private negotiation and community interest, and public allegations that key local developers or partners are being excluded raise governance and due‑diligence concerns. The county’s public statement that it is committed to closing the deal but needs final, consistent documents from OAC highlights remaining transactional steps.
What’s next: Counsel encouraged OAC to provide final documents on the terms discussed so staff can review and finalize them; the board did not take immediate public action on the negotiation during open session. Founders said they will continue to press their case publicly and legally.
