Brian Kennedy, a significant donor to the University of Southern California (USC) and founder of Regency Outdoor Advertising, has filed a lawsuit against the university, alleging breach of contract and seeking damages for "reputational harm, embarrassment, humiliation," and loss of benefit from a prior agreement.
Kennedy claims that in the late 1990s, he donated $400,000 to USC for the construction of a new football practice field. In exchange, the university allegedly agreed to name the field, then known as Howard Jones Field, "Brian Kennedy Field" in perpetuity. According to the lawsuit, for over two decades, the field served as a prominent acknowledgment of his contributions.
However, Kennedy alleges that within the last two years, USC demolished the "Brian Kennedy Field" and removed associated signage and plaques that recognized his contributions. He states that his attempts to reach a resolution with the university regarding comparable recognition were declined.
The lawsuit outlines several causes of action, including promissory estoppel, fraud, breach of contract, breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and negligent misrepresentation. Kennedy asserts that USC's actions were "willful, malicious, oppressive, fraudulent," and "despicable."
Kennedy has been a substantial supporter of USC, contributing over $4 million to the university and playing a role in the construction of the Galen Center and the return of Reggie Bush's Heisman Trophy. The lawsuit describes the naming of the field as a condition upon which he paid the $400,000 donation.
This legal action follows a history of public criticism from Kennedy towards the USC football program. In 2020, he publicly described the state of the team as "dogs—t" at an awards ceremony.
USC had not responded to a request for comment on the lawsuit as of Wednesday. The lawsuit was obtained by The California Post on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.