Following eviction notice, Wichita Hoops files emergency bankruptcy to save events

On Monday night, Wichita Hoops filed an emergency Chapter 11 bankruptcy, without which a number of events — including this week’s National Wheelchair Basketball Association championship — could have been in jeopardy.

“The emergency is an eviction action that was filed by Webb Industrial,” said David Prelle Eron, attorney for the Bel Aire athletic facility.

Eron said Wichita Hoops is two months behind on rent — or possibly three at the time of the eviction — which he said is not much to prompt a landlord to take eviction action.

“I’m honestly a little bit confused by it,” Eron said. “It surprised me the aggressiveness of Webb Industrial.”

Webb Industrial partners are Ivan Crossland Jr., Steve Barrett and Dave Murfin. None of the three returned calls for comment.

Wichita Hoops used to own its facility, but that changed a couple of years ago when Legacy Bank took over the property and then sold it.

Eron said Wichita Hoops co-founder Evan McCorry had tried talking to the partners about some financial issues regarding abatement on the property.

“It looks like there was a dispute . . . about certain additional charges,” Eron said.

He said when McCorry questioned the charges, that’s when Webb Industrial served the eviction notice.

“Instead of talking, they turned around and filed an eviction action, which for two months of arrears is surprising,” Eron said.

A trial had been set for Tuesday, he said, “So all of a sudden now, you’re dealing with an emergency.”

Eron said there are all kinds of tournaments “that suddenly don’t have a venue” without the bankruptcy protection.

“In order to stop that from happening, we had to get a case filed instantly,” he said. “It was the only option available to continue operating.”

Eron said the reorganization bankruptcy is an opportunity to figure out what is owed “and then get back on track.”

He said there are some others, including a few vendors, who are owed money as well.

Still, he said the eviction and subsequent bankruptcy is a lot, “all for a couple months rent, which is completely curable.”

Eron said it was crucial to get the bankruptcy filed.

“It’s such an important community institution.”

This story was originally published March 28, 2023 at 1:45 PM.