Tim Leiweke joins RC Lens, but a Trump favor resurfaces
While RC Lens welcomes Tim Leiweke as a new shareholder, the club, under the direction of Joseph Oughourlian, finds itself at the heart of a controversy linked to a US judicial case recently resolved by a presidential pardon from Donald Trump. The contrast between the hope of an investment and the reminder of a litigious past creates an immediate debate.
New investment at RC Lens
Since August 31, Tim Leiweke is officially one of the new faces of RC Lens's shareholding. Through his Entrepreneur Equity Partners (EEP) fund, he holds 13.93 % of the capital and now sits on the club's board of directors.
Joseph Oughourlian remains the majority shareholder with 69.10 % of the capital, while Side Invest holds 13.56 % of the shares. Together, these holdings bring the total of new investors to more than twenty‑seven percent.
The investment from Entrepreneur Equity Partners is intended to contribute to the development of the Bollaert‑Delelis stadium and its facilities. The club says this funding will strengthen the venue's capacity and modernize the existing installations.
RC Lens presents Tim Leiweke as a specialist in sports infrastructure and stadium experience. The decision to bring in this investor fits into a long‑term growth strategy for the club.
Reactivated judicial case
In July 2025, Tim Leiweke, then head of Oak View Group, was indicted in the United States for an alleged manipulation of a tender concerning the Moody Center at the University of Texas at Austin. The charge referred to a secret agreement with Legends Hospitality to prevent an independent bid.
Leiweke pleaded not guilty and challenged the accusations, stating that the discussions were part of a legal commercial partnership. He left his position as CEO of Oak View Group after his indictment.
In December 2025, Donald Trump granted a full presidential pardon to Tim Leiweke, ending the criminal prosecutions. In the same case, Oak View Group agreed to pay $15 million and Legends Hospitality $1.5 million as part of settlements with the US justice system.
The timing is striking, as the pardon comes while Leiweke takes a prominent role at RC Lens. The controversy centers on the allegations of tender rigging, not on a conviction, fueling debate about the profile of the new investor.