The battle for the Black College World Series has intensified. A consortium led by Minority Prospects, Major League Baseball (MLB) Minor League Team the Montgomery Biscuits, and a Montgomery attorney is trying another hostile takeover of the Black College World Series (BCWS) from its founder Michael Coker and his group Black College Championships.
Since the event began in 2021, various local Montgomery entities have attempted to seize control of Michael Coker, the founder and executive director, and his group, Black College Championships, overseer of the four past BCWS events who has worked for 25 years to support HBCU Baseball. After a failed takeover post-2023, Coker gained shareholder support against undervaluing buyout offers.
Since the inaugural event in 2021 in Montgomery, Minority Prospects, local businesses, individuals, and political circles in Montgomery have been involved in discussions about acquiring control of the advancements made by Coker’s 25 years to support and showcase HBCU Baseball at a competitive championship level.
After the 2023 BCWS event, a local attorney attempted an unsuccessful hostile takeover for personal and financial gain. Black College Championships (BCC) rejected the offer, stating it undervalued the company. Coker appealed to his shareholders and gained their support.
Hostile takeovers involve significant legal risks, including breaches of fiduciary duties and adherence to federal, state, and local laws. Minority Prospects face legal challenges. The Black College World Series is officially sanctioned by the NCAA and NAIA governing bodies.
The Black College Championships were established in 2021 to manage the BCWS. Held at Riverwalk Stadium in Montgomery, Alabama, from 2021 to 2024, it is a national baseball tournament for top HBCU teams. The double-elimination format includes teams from NCAA Division II and NAIA.
The BCWS moves to Jackson, TN, in 2025 after four years at Riverwalk Stadium due to challenges in Montgomery. These include nine takeover attempts, scheduling conflicts, insufficient support from the Black community and minority businesses, and no backing from the local HBCU or City Council.
On June 24, 2024, the Black College Championships announced a partnership with Visit Jackson, TN, and Rockabillys Stadium to host the 2025 Baseball Black College World Series. The top eight teams from the BCN small school Top 10 Ranking Poll will qualify for the series. The new contract with Jackson was awarded via an open-bid process involving 24 minor league teams. All 24 showed interest, and BCC chose Jackson as the host. Planning for the tournament’s home beyond 2025.
An agreement with Visit Jackson, TN, and Rockabillys Stadium will host the BCWS in Jackson from May 7-10, 2025. Currently, there are legal issues involving Minority Prospects using the Black College World Series trademarks and tournament format without authorization.
Former BCC members falsely claimed Coker’s removal from the BCWS organization. A Letter To Montgomery City Councilman clarified the fraudulent takeover attempts. BCC ended affiliations with members due to Fraud, misconduct, and confidentiality breaches.
A watchdog group alerted the NCAA about Minority Prospects’ unauthorized use of their likeness, trademarks, and naming rights “Final Four.” BCWS demands that Minority Prospects cease all related marketing activities immediately.