Pac-12, Mountain West Court Battle Over Exit Fees

The Pac-12 and Mountain West conferences are heading to court after mediation failed to resolve disputes over exit and poaching fees ranging from $55 million to $150 million, linked to the Pac-12's acquisition of five Mountain West schools. Mediation, which began in May 2025, ended without agreement by a July deadline, prompting both conferences to request a September 9 hearing on the Mountain West's motion to dismiss. The Mountain West argues the Pac-12 is seeking to avoid knowingly agreed-upon contractual obligations, while the Pac-12 disputes the penalties' legality. Separate lawsuits from departing schools such as Colorado State, Utah State, and Boise State over their exit fees were also unresolved in mediation. The financial stakes will impact remaining Mountain West schools, including UNLV, that rely on these payments. A final resolution may not occur until after the scheduled court proceedings, possibly in October, potentially shaping the future of college athletics in the region.