The “San Francisco Bay Area Stadium” in Santa Clara, aka Levi’s Stadium, hosted six World Cup matches in 2026.
FAC represents freelance journalist Lance Williams in CPRA litigation against San Jose State University and its President, Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson, to compel disclosure of records shared with Dr. Teniente-Matson related to her work with the Bay Area Host Committee (“BAHC”), a nonprofit organization working to facilitate bringing the 2026 FIFA World Cup games, and other major sporting events, to the San Francisco Bay Area.
In furtherance of his coverage of the 2026 World Cup, Williams made a Public Records Act request to San Jose State University for records received by Dr. Teniente-Matson and her staff in connection with her Advisory Committee role. Although it disclosed other records, San Jose State withheld a nondisclosure agreement signed by Ms. Teniente-Matson and other advisory board members as well as other records, including a slide deck named “Breakout Deck: 250317 Advisory Board Sub-Committee Materials Revenue & Community Impact” and Word document entitled “Discussion Notes: 250318 Advisory Board – Community & Revenue Subcommittee Meeting – Notes.”
This case is brought to enforce the clear rule that the Public Records Act prohibits agencies from allowing third parties to control access to public records.
Press Release:
FAC Sues San Jose State University for World Cup Host Committee Records (6/23/2026)
Legal Documents:
Petition for Writ of Mandate (6/22/2026)