USA Cricket Files for Bankruptcy, Severing Ties with controversial Commercial Partner ACE
WILMINGTON, DE – USA Cricket has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as it moves to terminate a long-term commercial agreement with American Cricket Enterprises (ACE) and restructure it’s finances, the organization announced today. The move follows a recent suspension of USA Cricket’s membership by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and aims to address governance concerns and pave the way for a lasting future for the sport in the United States, notably with the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics on the horizon.
The core of the issue lies with the 50-year agreement with ACE, finalized on August 22, 2025, which USA Cricket alleges heavily favored ACE and was negotiated with insufficient board oversight and notable conflicts of interest. According to a statement released by USA Cricket, the deal restricted the national governing body’s ability to secure team sponsorships and broadcast partnerships, while providing only a minimal share of revenue - estimated to be well below the $5 million annual commercial value of USA national team rights.
“ACE never delivered on its funding obligations, never paid staff or player salaries, and routinely offset its Major League Cricket (MLC) expenses against monies owed to USA Cricket,” the statement reads. Furthermore, infrastructure promises were unmet, with only one ICC-grade stadium constructed out of the six required by 2025.
The bankruptcy filing provides legal protection as USA Cricket works to resolve contractual issues, implement governance reforms, and regain its standing with the ICC, which suspended the organization earlier this year.
“We were forced into the protections of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court as ACE weaponized its financial muscle to frustrate our ability to govern the sport,” explained Corey MacDonald, USA Cricket’s General counsel.
Johnathan Atkeison, who became USA Cricket CEO in 2024 after successfully reorganizing USA Rugby, emphasized the long-term benefits of the restructuring. “This move allows us the time and legal framework to reset and meet the International Cricket Council’s expectations,” he said.”This Chapter 11 filing is a decisive move to correct our financial trajectory, build the world-class NGB america deserves, and prepare for the Olympic stage.”
USA Cricket plans to release further details regarding the restructuring and its long-term vision for cricket in the United States in the coming weeks. The organization is focused on reassessing its commercial strategy and rebuilding trust with stakeholders as it prepares for cricket’s return to the Olympics at LA 2028.
