MLC Parent Company ACE Calls Agreement Termination by USA Cricket 'Unlawful' and 'Wrongful'

MLC Parent Company ACE Calls Agreement Termination by USA Cricket 'Unlawful' and 'Wrongful'

A major conflict has erupted at the top of American cricket, with USA Cricket (USAC) announcing the termination of its commercial agreement with American Cricket Enterprises (ACE), the parent company of Major League Cricket (MLC). ACE has responded by labelling the move “unlawful” and “wrongful”, insisting it has met all of its contractual obligations.

The now-terminated agreement was signed in May 2019 as part of a strategic effort to professionalize and grow cricket in the United States through domestic leagues like MLC and Minor League Cricket (MiLC). The split, which comes just weeks before the start of the 2025 MiLC season, threatens to derail momentum built over the past three years and could impact preparations for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, where cricket is expected to feature.

USAC's Allegations

In a statement released on August 21, USAC accused ACE of multiple material breaches, including:

  • Failure to meet financial commitments

  • Lapses in infrastructure development

  • Neglect of governance and organizational responsibilities

Despite “extensive dialogue, the issuance of formal breach notices, and repeated opportunities to cure defaults,” USAC said ACE had failed to fulfill its “contractual and fiduciary obligations.”

USAC Board Chairman Venu Pisike said the decision to terminate the deal was taken in the sport’s broader interests:

“USA Cricket entered into this partnership with ACE in good faith… But ACE has consistently failed to meet its obligations, which has jeopardized the broader development of cricket in the United States. After years of engagement and repeated breach notices, we had no choice.”

Pisike also raised concerns about how ACE was originally awarded the contract and the usage of USA Cricket’s intellectual property. Still, he left the door open for renegotiations, saying USAC is open to “renewed discussions” with ACE under new terms that align more closely with the national body’s vision and goals.

ACE Hits Back

ACE, which has built and operated both MLC and MiLC since 2023, strongly rejected USAC’s claims. In its response, ACE accused the governing body of acting “selfishly” and for “personal and political agendas.”

“ACE is disappointed that USAC has selfishly chosen, on the eve of the 2025 MiLC season, to wrongfully terminate its agreement. USAC’s conduct undermines the hard work of players, staff, and team personnel,” ACE said.

The company argued that:

  • It had exceeded its financial obligations, including discretionary funding to help USAC pay staff salaries

  • It had met all infrastructure obligations, including the provision of high-performance training facilities used by USAC

  • USAC’s claim of noncompliance was hypocritical, especially as the board was simultaneously seeking a renegotiated agreement

ACE further urged the current USAC board to resign, referencing recommendations by the ICC and US Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) that suggested replacing current leadership with an independent board.

“ACE remains focused on advancing U.S. cricket and serving the best interests of the cricket community. We are prepared to take all necessary steps to protect our stakeholders and ensure the long-term success of cricket in the U.S.,” the statement concluded.

Background and Broader Impact

The termination adds to mounting tension within US cricket administration. Just last month, the International Cricket Council (ICC) proposed a complete overhaul of the USAC board as part of a roadmap for cricket’s inclusion in the 2028 LA Olympics. The ICC, at the request of the USOPC, is seeking to "reset" governance and leadership in American cricket.

ACE and USAC had jointly launched MLC in 2023 with six franchises, three of which are owned by IPL team owners, and another by an investor group including stakeholders from the Delhi Capitals. The league has seen steady expansion, moving from two venues (Dallas and Morrisville) in its first two seasons to include Florida and Oakland in 2025.

With MiLC set to begin soon and U.S. national teams preparing for upcoming ICC events, the fallout from this dispute could have far-reaching implications.

What’s Next?

While USAC has hinted at reopening negotiations under new terms, ACE appears poised to challenge the termination and defend its role in building U.S. cricket from the ground up. Legal proceedings or intervention from the ICC could follow if the impasse continues.

For now, uncertainty looms over the future of MLC, MiLC, and the U.S. national teams — all critical pieces in American cricket’s path toward Olympic inclusion and global competitiveness.