Mountain West Files Counterclaims Against Pac-12 in $55M Poaching Dispute

The Mountain West filed an 85–86 page answer and counterclaims this week in the Northern District of California seeking a declaratory judgment that roughly $55 million in termination/“poaching” fees are valid and enforceable and asking the court to hold the Pac-12 accountable for breach of contract, promissory fraud, tortious interference and unjust enrichment. The conference alleges the Pac-12 and five departing members negotiated in bad faith to destabilize the Mountain West and that athletic directors and presidents of Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State and Utah State had plans to leave well before announcing departures. The five schools are slated to join the Pac-12 beginning in 2026, and the MWC says the scheduling alliance it signed was intended to be honored while the Pac-12 now seeks to avoid its obligations. The Pac-12 counters that the Mountain West’s penalties are unlawful restraints on competition; mediation failed, the MWC’s motion to dismiss was denied, and the case is proceeding toward discovery. The Mountain West warned the dispute could have serious financial consequences for member schools (including UNLV), reiterated its commitment to protect student‑athletes and institutions, and signaled a more aggressive legal posture as the litigation continues.