American Cricket Enterprises (ACE) has taken USA Cricket (USAC) to court over the wrongful termination of their commercial partnership.
This legal action highlights growing tensions in US cricket governance and could impact cricket development across the United States.
ACE runs the country’s highest-profile cricket tournament (MLC) and owns facilities including the High Performance Centre in Dallas.
The company had planned training camps for 35 top players with trial matches against West Indies A, but these preparations are now in question.
The Original Partnership Deal
In May 2019, ACE and USA Cricket signed a groundbreaking agreement designed to transform cricket in America.
The partnership was hailed as transformative and coincided with major milestones for US cricket, including co-hosting the 2024 T20 World Cup and achieving historic wins.
Key Details of ACE-USA Cricket Partnership:
| Agreement Start Date | May 2019 |
| Duration | 50 years |
| ACE’s Role | MLC & MiLC operations, infrastructure, and commercial rights |
| ACE Investment | Significant funding commitments |
| USA Cricket Role | Governing body, ICC recognition |
Under this partnership, ACE secured exclusive rights to operate elite T20 cricket in the country.
The company committed to funding national teams, building cricket stadiums, and launching professional leagues, including Major League Cricket (MLC) and Minor League Cricket.
Why USA Cricket Ended The Deal?
USA Cricket terminated the agreement in August 2025, claiming ACE failed to meet its contractual obligations.
USAC accused ACE of missing payments to the national team and support staff, not delivering promised infrastructure projects, and interfering with cricket governance.
The cricket board issued breach notices and gave ACE opportunities to fix these problems. However, after initial suspension of the termination decision, USAC reinstated it on September 16, 2025, without meaningful discussions with ACE.
ACE Fights Back
ACE strongly disputes these claims and has filed legal proceedings against USA Cricket. In their press release, ACE called USAC’s actions “chaotic and reckless,” claiming they offered more than the agreed payment amounts.
The company argues that a small group of USAC directors chose politics over preparing cricket teams for success.
| Issue | USA Cricket’s Allegations | ACE’s Counterclaims |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Commitments | Failed to meet financial obligations | Exceeded financial commitments |
| Infrastructure Development | Did not deliver facilities and a high-performance center | Fulfilled and provided additional facilities |
| Governance and Management | Breaches impacting organizational structure | Accuses USAC of political interference |
| Contract Termination | Justified due to repeated breaches | Termination is unlawful and wrongful |
ACE says their significant six-year investment in US cricket is now at risk due to USAC’s wrongful conduct.
What This Means For USA Cricket
This legal battle creates uncertainty for US cricket at a crucial time. The standoff comes just months before the men’s T20 World Cup, where the USA team is scheduled to compete in India and Sri Lanka.
USA Cricket players are concerned about their future, as all-rounder Corey Anderson recently noted the uncertainty surrounding training camps and tournament preparations.
He said, “Is that all still taking place or not? These camps have to take place for the players to get ready for those things,”.
The outcome of this lawsuit will determine the future direction of professional cricket in America and could affect the sport’s growth in the United States.
