September 18, 2025
USA Cricket has noted recent comments made by American Cricket Enterprises (ACE) following the termination of our commercial agreement, and following ACE’s decision to file suit against USA Cricket after failed negotiations. Yesterday, a federal judge in Boulder denied a motion by American Cricket Enterprises (ACE), the parent company of Major League Cricket (MLC), seeking a Temporary Restraining Order to block USA Cricket from terminating their commercial agreement.
We want to be clear about why the decision to terminate this agreement was made and what it means for the future of cricket in the United States.
What is the Agreement
The agreement between ACE and USA Cricket, which was negotiated at less-than arm’s length between ACE and an ACE insider on the Board of Directors at USA Cricket, extends far beyond a sanction to operate Major League and Minor League Cricket. The wide-ranging agreement gave ACE unprecedented control over USA Crickets finances and operational capabilities. Among other commitments, it purports to preclude USA Cricket from seeking team sponsors or broadcast partners, and from working with other organizations who sought to hold events throughout the year.
Why the Agreement Was Terminated
Over several years, ACE failed to meet key obligations set out in the 2019 Term Sheet. These included inconsistent or absent financial support for national team programs, failure to deliver on promised infrastructure projects, and an inability to follow through with commitments around governance and accountability. USA Cricket repeatedly raised these issues with ACE, even issuing prior breach notices, giving ACE ample opportunities to address them.
ACE was unwilling to address or acknowledge these issues.
Even after the initial termination of the contract, USA Cricket agreed in good faith-and at ACE’s request-to engage in a confidential, mutual standdown to allow for potential resolution of the parties’ disagreements. Unfortunately, ACE representatives demonstrated their lack of desire to engage in meaningful conversation, instead using the standdown to announce the MLC ’26 season rather than responding meaningfully to USA Cricket’s proposals. ACE’s lack of a meaningful response left USA Cricket with no choice but to move forward with the termination of the agreement.
Response to ACE’s Claims
ACE has suggested it was fully compliant with the agreement. That is not the case. The decision to end the agreement followed years of dialogue and documented breaches. It was made to protect the interests of the sport and ensure accountability to our members, players, and stakeholders.
While ACE has chosen to characterize USA Cricket’s actions as damaging cricket, and specifically the USA Cricket National Teams, the court noted yesterday in their denial of ACE’s motion:
While the contract grants ACE “exclusive rights to develop and commercialize” the National Teams, ACE does not own or manage them. It is not clear from the motion…why USA Cricket’s termination of the ACE contract requires ACE to pull its funding and other promises to the National Teams. To the extent it is a voluntary reaction by ACE to USA Cricket’s termination of the contract, courts generally “do not consider a self-inflicted harm to be irreparable”
USA Cricket intends to fully defend itself and the game of cricket against ACE’s false and spurious allegations. We look forward to presenting our case in court to show that ACE has never lived up to its commitment to grow the game of cricket in the United States, and has repeatedly utilized the now-terminated agreement to harm USA Cricket and benefit its own for-profit venture.
Commitment to Growth and Governance
USA Cricket’s priority remains the same: grow the game at every level, from grassroots to national teams, while meeting the highest standards of governance. We are working with domestic stakeholders, the ICC, and other partners to ensure the sport continues to expand in the United States.
This was not an easy decision, but it was a necessary one. Our focus now is on the future—building trust, supporting our players and members, and creating a strong foundation for cricket to succeed in America.
FOR ANY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS, PLEASE REACH OUT TO:
Email: media@usacricket.org
ABOUT USA CRICKET
USA Cricket is the National Federation for cricket in the United States as recognized by the International Cricket Council. USA Cricket’s mission is to govern, regulate, develop and promote all forms of cricket at all levels in the United States, and to enable U.S. cricketers to achieve sustained competitive excellence and successfully compete in national and international competition. Through a diverse Board of Directors that has representation from most cricket stakeholder groups, USA Cricket will lead the sport to new heights by creating and administering value added programs to grow and develop the sport.
