Mediation between the Mountain West and Pac-12 conferences failed, pushing the legal dispute over exit and poaching fees to court. Both parties sought a mediation process, but the stay expired without an agreement. The case involves over $150 million in fees the Mountain West claims are owed due to five teams leaving for the Pac-12: Boise State, Colorado State, San Diego State, Fresno State, and Utah State. Each school reportedly owes about $18 million in exit fees.
The Mountain West filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, with a hearing scheduled for September 9. If the dismissal is not granted, court proceedings are expected to begin in October. Meanwhile, Mountain West Commissioner Gloria Nevarez is anticipated to address the situation during the conference’s football media days.
UNLV accepted a financial package to remain in the Mountain West, with payments tied to the disputed fees, potentially delayed by the trial. The Pac-12, along with its new members, challenged the fees in court, considering the penalties as unlawful. They plan to proceed with legal action, asserting confidence in their legal standing and commitment to their institutions’ interests.
