The City of Kokomo has filed a lawsuit against the owner of the Kokomo Jackrabbits, alleging a breach of the lease agreement for Kokomo Municipal Stadium and seeking to remove the baseball team from the venue. The dispute puts the future of collegiate summer baseball in the city at risk for the 2025 season.
The lawsuit, filed on October 31, names Kokomo Baseball LLC, a subsidiary of Wisconsin-based ROC Ventures, as the defendant. The city claims the team failed to properly renew its lease, which required written notice 90 days before the agreement’s expiration on September 30. Kokomo Baseball LLC asserts it communicated its intent to renew during a virtual meeting in May, believing it had a verbal agreement with the city.
The city disputes this claim, stating no formal written notice was received. After rejecting the team’s renewal request, the city asked the Jackrabbits to vacate the stadium by September 30, a demand the team has refused.
The disagreement has led to complications in scheduling for the 2025 season, as leagues often finalize schedules months in advance. Without clarity, the city risks losing its place in a league, jeopardizing summer collegiate baseball in Kokomo.
Adding to the complexity, Kokomo Baseball LLC has filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, citing the lease agreement’s requirement for disputes to be resolved through arbitration. The city argues the team waived this right by failing to initiate arbitration within the required timeframe.
The Jackrabbits’ tenure in Kokomo has been marked by fluctuating attendance and performance. Since moving to the Northwoods League in 2019, the team has struggled both on and off the field, with declining attendance and only one winning season. Attendance in 2023 averaged 830 fans per game, well below Kokomo Municipal Stadium’s 4,000-seat capacity.
Under the lease, the team pays $5,000 annually in rent, with potential increases tied to revenue thresholds. It remains unclear if those thresholds have been met, as financial reports are confidential.
The lawsuit highlights ongoing challenges for the Jackrabbits, who debuted in 2015 to strong community support but have since faced declining interest. The outcome of the legal battle will determine whether the team continues to call Kokomo Municipal Stadium home and if collegiate summer baseball remains a staple in the city.