Mountain West and Pac-12 Resolve Dispute Over “Poaching Penalty”
In a recent growth,the Mountain West and Pac-12 conferences have initiated discussions to resolve a legal dispute over a “poaching penalty,” highlighting the complexities of conference realignment in college football. as of the latest reports, the two parties have reached an informal agreement to settle the matter.
Legal Disputes and Contractual Nuances
The initial legal battle began in September 2024 when the Pac-12 challenged the enforcement of a contract clause specifying a $10 million penalty if any football program left the Mountain West for the Pac-12.This agreement, signed in December 2023, also included additional penalties of $500,000 for each migrating school.
Under this agreement, the mountain West calculated that the departure of five schools—Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Utah State, and San Diego State—should legally result in a $55 million payout from the Pac-12 starting in 2026.
Counter-Lawsuits and Continued Struggles
In response, Colorado State and Utah State had filed a lawsuit to prevent being subjected to Mountain west exit fees ranging between $19 million and $38 million. Boise State joined these legal efforts later, emphasizing the contentious nature of the exit fees.
importantly, neither Fresno State nor San Diego State has contested the Mountain West’s exit fee demands in court, suggesting varying perspectives or strategies among the departing schools.
What are the potential implications of this dispute for future contractual agreements between conferences in college sports?
Frequently Asked Questions
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What sparked the legal dispute between the Mountain West and Pac-12 conferences?
The conflict arose from a “poaching penalty” clause in a contract signed in December 2023. This clause stipulated a $10 million penalty for any football program leaving the Mountain West for the Pac-12, plus an additional $500,000 per departing school.
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How much is the Mountain West seeking from the Pac-12 as a penalty?
based on the departure of five schools (Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Utah State, and San Diego State), the Mountain west calculated a $55 million payout from the Pac-12 starting in 2026.
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Which schools are involved in the legal battles?
Colorado State, Utah State, and Boise State have filed lawsuits against the mountain West to avoid paying exit fees. Surprisingly, Fresno State and San Diego State haven’t contested the Mountain West’s demands, hinting at differing legal strategies among the departing schools.
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What’s the latest development in the dispute?
While the legal battles continue, both conferences have reportedly reached an informal agreement to settle the matter.
This ongoing saga underscores the complex legal and financial implications of conference realignment in college football. As negotiations unfold, the outcome could significantly impact future contractual agreements within collegiate sports.
