Stiffed for a Hoops Game, Promoter Says

(CN) - A promoter couldn't deliver an NBA All-Star game, costing a second promoter $1.5 million, the jilted promoter claims in court.

Lincoln Road Productions sued The Reign Entertainment Group and its president Calvin Darden, in San Juan, Puerto Rico Federal Court.

Lincoln claims the New York-based defendants agreed to bring an exhibition NBA All-Star game to San Juan on Oct. 30, 2011.

Reign agreed to secure the services of NBA All-Stars and bring them to the venue on time, according to the complaint.

The NBA is not a party to the case. The only other defendant is ABC Insurance Co.

Lincoln claims it got the necessary permits and licenses and made advance payments to rent the stadium, pay for insurance, transportation, security and press conferences.

Lincoln says it spent $80,000, and sold more than 9,000 tickets to the game after receiving assurances from the defendants that the game would go on.

"Despite its obligations under the agreement and the specific personal assurances and guarantees by Darden that everything was in order and that the exhibition was to be held at the agreed upon place and time, Reign and Darden failed to perform their specific obligations and proceeded to cancel the exhibition game," the complaint states.

"Reign and Darden's failure to comply with the agreement resulted in extensive financial losses for Lincoln, including but not limited to, severe damage to its longstanding goodwill, its reputation and impairment in its ability to secure sponsorship for future events."

Lincoln seeks more than $1.5 million for breach of contract and negligence.

It is represented by William Graffam, with Jimenez, Graffam & Lausell.

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