2022 Oliver F. Luck v. Vincent K. McMahon and Alpha Entertainment, LLC

In the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut, Judge Victor A. Bolden presiding. This case stemmed from Mr. Luck’s employment as Commissioner and CEO of the XFL. Mr. McMahon signed a personal Guaranty of Mr. Luck’s five-year employment contract with Alpha, which detailed Mr. Luck’s yearly base salary and a guaranteed annual bonus. Despite opening to positive reviews and garnering enthusiastic fans, the XFL’s inaugural first season in 2020 was cut short in the face of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Ultimately, Alpha filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on April 13, 2020. However, just a few days prior on April 9, 2020, the Defendants terminated Mr. Luck allegedly for cause. The firm represented Mr. Luck against Mr. McMahon and Alpha to enforce Mr. McMahon’s Guaranty. Plaintiff sought approximately $24 million in damages.  Following more than two years of highly contested litigation, which included a favorable summary judgment ruling dismissing nearly all of Defendants’ claims and defenses, the case was headed to trial in early July 2022 on one remaining issue. Ultimately, Mr. Luck and Defendants amicably resolved the matter in advance of trial and entered into a confidential settlement.