Urban Edge Network, a broadcast entity that has televised HBCU sporting events and programming, signed a “Marketing/Media Rights Partnership Agreement,” dated June 11, 2024, which was entered into between Urban Edge Network, LLC, and Black College Championships, LLC/Black College World Series. The agreement was effective as of the specified date. When the agreement was signed, both parties agreed to be bound by its terms and conditions. Urban Edge Network (UEN) defaulted on the agreement as the contract stipulated January 1 of each year, starting with January 1, 2025 until the length of the agreement July 2029.
A notice on behalf of Black College Championships, LLC/Black College World Series (“BCWS”) concerning Urban Edge Network’s failure to comply with its Marketing/Media Rights Partnership Agreement (the “Agreement”). Urban Edge Network did not comply as required by the Agreement. When BCWS advised Urban Edge Network, BCWS delivered to Urban Edge Network a copy of the Agreement. UEN specifically responded, “agreement filled next week!” No agreement was delivered as promised.
When BCWS inquired further, Urban Edge Network changed its response. Just eight (8) days after promising to act in accordance with the agreement, Urban Edge Network imposed conditions that are not found in the Agreement. Urban Edge Network requested information from BCWS to its satisfaction. Nowhere in the Agreement is the condition upon such disclosure. Urban Edge Network’s imposition of a condition precedent is considered a breach of the Agreement.
Demand was made, as required by the Agreement, within three (3) days of receipt of notice. Should Urban Edge Network fail to abide, BCWS initiated legal proceedings against Urban Edge Network, seeking all available remedies of its default under the Marketing/Media Rights Partnership Agreement (the “Agreement”).
BCWS demanded that Urban Edge Network comply with the Agreement and provided an opportunity to cure its default, but Urban Edge Network did not satisfy the agreement. Black College Championships, LLC/Black College World Series (“BCWS”) has officially notified Urban Edge Network that it was canceling the agreement that regulated its relations with the Black College World Series.
Accordingly, pursuant to Section 9(b) of the Agreement, BCWS hereby terminates the Agreement for cause as a result of Urban Edge Network’s breach of the Agreement. Urban Edge Network will no longer be participating in the Black College World Series or be entitled to any of the benefits of the Agreement. Urban Edge Network will be removed from BCWS’s list of sponsors and partners. BCWS demands that Urban Edge Network remove any advertisements or announcements of affiliation with BCWS and cease all marketing related to the BCWS.
Urban Edge Network has caused significant impact to BCWS as a result of Urban Edge Network’s breach.
Urban Edge Network is currently embroiled in a $250 million legal dispute with the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).