A board member of the Women’s Pro Baseball League (WPBL), Mina Kim, has initiated legal action demanding extensive financial and operational records from the league amid concerns of “mounting red flags” including possible misappropriation of funds. After repeated unsuccessful attempts to secure these documents directly, Kim filed a books and records request in Delaware’s Chancery Court on July 13. Her filing alleges the WPBL and CEO Keith Stein have improperly withheld information despite the board member’s efforts to resolve the issue without litigation.

Among the specific financial issues cited, the complaint highlights a questionable $59,500 transfer to Ankeiste Ltd., a company owned by Stein and his wife. Initially reported as a reimbursement for startup expenses, the payment was later reclassified without board approval as a loan receivable, with no loan documentation to support it. Additional transactions raise concerns about potential misuse of league assets, and Kim demands full access to bank records and transaction details to clarify these discrepancies.

The legal filing also identifies conflicts of interest involving the league's association with the law firm Dentons. CEO Stein is a lawyer at Dentons, as is board member Andreas Kloppenborg, yet no formal engagement or conflicts of interest checks were disclosed even as company funds moved through Dentons’ trust accounts. Additionally, Kim raises suspicions about a possible familial relationship between Stein’s wife and another board member, Mark Prosterman, information that remains unclear due to incomplete board documentation from the WPBL.

The WPBL disputes Kim’s claims, stating the league has provided full and thorough information in response to her requests. The majority of board members reportedly stand united against the lawsuit, viewing it as driven by personal issues rather than legitimate concerns. The league is currently finishing its inaugural six-week season, which has seen operational challenges including managerial changes and player contract delays. Playoffs are scheduled to start September 9, underscoring the need for organizational stability amidst these governance disputes.