Inglewood's digital billboard clash pits stadium owners against city advertising deal

Inglewood's plan to expand digital billboards has sparked lawsuits from major venue operators and sparked ballot initiatives that could reshape the city's advertising revenue.

Inglewood has rolled out a citywide network of digital billboards through an exclusive agreement with WOW Media, which the mayor claims has produced more than $30 million for services such as pre-kindergarten, senior programs, park upgrades and pothole repairs. Critics note that this sum represents less than 1% of the city's $454,000,109 budget for 2025-2026. Operators of SoFi Stadium, the Intuit Dome and the Kia Forum filed a lawsuit alleging the city bypassed required competitive bidding, but a Superior Court judge rejected most of their arguments, saying WOW's technology exempts it from the process.

The controversy has shifted to upcoming ballot measures, including a proposal to limit the billboard program and a cap on stadium parking rates. Local residents like Dallas Fowler and Charles Braggs argue the signs create light pollution and distract drivers, while supporters such as Sheila Cutchlow point to rising home values tied to the advertising influx. The city council approved two initiatives for the November ballot after confirming sufficient signatures, while a third parking-fee cap measure fell short.