NBCUniversal Sues Group Black for $36 Million in Alleged Breach of Contract

Media giant claims Group Black failed to fulfill terms of ad partnership deal.

Feb. 19, 2026 at 12:39am

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Comcast's NBCUniversal has filed a lawsuit against Group Black, a firm created to direct ad dollars to Black-owned and Black-led media, alleging it owes the media giant $35.8 million in unpaid invoices and guaranteed payments. The suit stems from a partnership that gave Group Black exclusive rights to sell ads in Black-led shows on NBCU's streamer, Peacock, with the two companies sharing revenue.

Why it matters

The lawsuit highlights the challenges faced by Black-owned media companies in securing major partnerships and fulfilling contractual obligations. It also raises questions about the viability of initiatives aimed at increasing representation and ad spending in minority-owned media.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Group Black failed to fulfill the terms of the contract in the months after it began in September 2023, despite selling more than $30 million worth of advertising. NBCU alleges that in 2024, Group Black agreed to shift its revenue share to zero to pay down the shortfall, but the company repeatedly failed to make the required payments.

  • The partnership between NBCU and Group Black began in September 2023.
  • In 2024, Group Black agreed to shift its revenue share to zero to pay down the shortfall.
  • The partnership ended in September 2025.

The players

NBCUniversal

A media and entertainment company owned by Comcast Corporation, which filed the lawsuit against Group Black.

Group Black

A firm created to direct ad dollars to Black-owned and Black-led media, which is being sued by NBCUniversal for alleged breach of contract.

Bonin Bough

A cofounder of Group Black, who NBCU says acknowledged the company's liability multiple times.

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What they’re saying

“We dispute the claims made by NBCUniversal and intend to respond through the appropriate legal process. Group Black remains focused on its mission and serving its partners.”

— Group Black

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on whether to allow Group Black to respond to the lawsuit and present its side of the dispute.

The takeaway

This lawsuit highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Black-owned media companies in securing major partnerships and fulfilling contractual obligations, underscoring the need for continued support and investment in minority-owned businesses to ensure their long-term success.