The Milwaukee Wave and its owner and chief executive officer, Sue Black, are facing a lawsuit filed by a Caledonia man who claims they owe him more than $150,000.
According to a report from WISN-TV Channel 12, a media partner of BizTimes Milwaukee, Thomas Phillips claims he loaned Black $200,000 soon after she acquired the indoor soccer team in 2013.
Court documents state that Black agreed to pay the principal balance and interest off by March 13, 2014, and make interest payments each quarter, according to the Channel 12 report. Black has repaid Phillips $100,000 toward that loan but has not completed any interest payments, according to Phillips.
The documents also state that Black sought a second short-term loan totaling $10,000 from Phillips in December to help the team make payroll.
Phillips alleges that Black has not made any progress on repaying the $10,000 loan.
Another plaintiff in the case, A&J Promotions, which is owned by Phillips and his daughter, claims the Milwaukee Wave owes an additional $42,000 for promotional merchandise.
Black bought the Milwaukee Wave from former owner Jim Lindenberg last April.
Prior to buying the Wave, Black served as Milwaukee County Parks director for 10 years. County Executive Chris Abele fired her from that leadership role in August 2012.
Black could not be reached for comment but will likely release a comment on the lawsuit this afternoon or evening, according to team spokesperson Van McNeil.
“At this time, Milwaukee Wave officials have no comment and are awaiting Sue Black’s return,” McNeil said.
For more information on the lawsuit, read WISN 12 News’ story.
