Pickleball Paradise Unmasked: Federal charges have been filed against three executives accused of defrauding investors in a major Arizona sports complex, once seen as a dream venue for pickleball. The U.S. Department of Justice and the SEC allege over $280 million was raised through forged documents and false promises tied to Legacy Park, formerly Bell Bank Park.
A Sports Dream Built on False Promises
Legacy Park in Mesa, Arizona, was designed as a massive sports destination. It had facilities for soccer, volleyball, e-sports, gymnastics, and especially pickleball. The venue hosted several major events, including the APP Mesa Open and the PPA Carvana Mesa Arizona Cup. But behind the scenes, trouble was building.
The SEC and Department of Justice have charged Randy Miller, Chad Miller, and Jeffrey De Laveaga, who led Legacy Cares and Legacy Sports. They are accused of using fake documents and inflated revenue claims to sell bonds and raise funds for the park.
As alleged, Randy Miller and Chad Miller swindled investors out of over a quarter of a billion dollars by selling municipal bonds they knew were backed by forgeries and lies. Municipal bonds fund critical public projects and investors rely on accurate financial disclosures to make informed decisions. This Office is committed to protecting the integrity of the public finance system. When individuals abuse that system and investors’ trust, we will hold them accountable.” – (Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky)
Major Pickleball Events Were Real
Legacy Park wasn’t just an idea. It hosted real matches, with real fans and professional athletes. Events included:
APP Mesa Open (March 29 – April 2, 2023)
MLP Mesa Event (January 26–29, 2023)
PPA Carvana Mesa Arizona Cup (February 20–25, 2024)
Minor League Pickleball (August 17–18, 2024)
These high-profile tournaments helped make the park look successful to investors. But federal officials say some of the sports groups named in fundraising documents were unaware they were even involved. Prosecutors claim that signatures were forged, including those from groups supporting disabled athletes.
Revenue Claims Fell Apart
Executives promised that Legacy Park would earn $100 million in its first year. Investors were told the park would be fully booked from the beginning. That didn’t happen.
The park opened in early 2022 but failed to meet its goals. By October, it had defaulted on its bond payments. In May 2023, it filed for bankruptcy. Though the park cost nearly $300 million to build, it sold for less than $26 million. Less than $2.5 million went back to investors.
“As our complaint alleges, these defendants used fake documents to deceive municipal bond investors into believing a sports complex would generate more than enough revenue to make payments to bondholders,” said Antonia Apps, Acting Deputy Director of the SEC’s Division of Enforcement.
“Maintaining the integrity of the approximately $4 trillion municipal bond market is critical for local governments and investors alike. The SEC will hold accountable individuals who defraud municipal bond investors.” – (Antonia Apps)
A Real Facility, a Fake Foundation
Though the finances were flawed, the sports complex did host games and brought the community together. Still, the DOJ and SEC are moving forward with civil and criminal charges. If found guilty, the accused face long prison terms.
The new owners, Burke Operating Partners, bought the park in December 2023. They renamed it Arizona Athletic Grounds. Burke was not involved in the fraud. The purchase was approved by the court during the bankruptcy process. Burke has promised to rebuild trust and focus on honest partnerships with sports groups.
What It Means for Pickleball’s Future
This case highlights how fast-growing sports like pickleball can be targeted by bad actors. It raises questions about how facilities are funded and the promises made to backers.
It also shows that while the courts were real, the business behind them was not. Pickleball fans and players will continue, but this case may lead to more careful checks of sports development projects in the future.
News in Brief: Pickleball Paradise Unmasked
Three men behind Mesa’s Legacy Park are charged with fraud. They allegedly raised $280 million using fake documents and false claims. The facility hosted top pickleball events but quickly failed financially. It sold for just $26 million after bankruptcy. New owners are not connected to the charges and plan improvements.
ALSO READ: Tennis vs. Pickleball: Hermon Park’s Battle Over Court Space Intensifies