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Year after RailRiders debut, SWB counties still in legal fight

SWB RailRidersDueling lawsuits over the proceeds of the sale of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Class AAA; International League) are still active in the legal system, but little progress has been made in either.

As you’ll recall, Lackawanna County and Luzerne Countyare fighting over the proceeds of the sale of the RailRiders to SWB Yankees LLC, a partnership between the New York Yankees and Mandalay Baseball Properties, for $14.6 million. (Yes, that’s the price. A steal.) Both counties invested in the team, but Lackawanna County funded the Multi-Purpose Stadium Authority and maintained PNC Field. Lackawanna County says it’s entitled to the entire proceeds of the sale (which was flipped back into the PNC Field upgrades unveiled last season), while Luzerne County wants half. Hence the lawsuits.

It’s been over a year since the lawsuits were filed, but very little — save discovery — has been done since Luzerne County lost its bid for a summary judgment. (In fact, our last story on the lawsuits was published over a year ago.) The wheels of justice certainly move slowly, and this is likely to be a complicated set of proceedings.

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