Judge Allows Pac-12 Antitrust Lawsuit to Proceed

A federal judge denied the Mountain West’s motion to dismiss the Pac-12’s antitrust and related claims over roughly $55 million in “poaching” penalties from a 2023 scheduling agreement, allowing the suit to proceed. Several outlets identified Magistrate Judge Susan van Keulen, while others named Senior Judge Claudia Wilken. The Pac-12 says the poaching-penalty clause was imposed when it was vulnerable and unlawfully restrained trade; mediation failed. The Pac-12 has added Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State and Utah State (the latter set to join in 2026) and the Mountain West is seeking about $55 million in fees. The judge found the Pac-12 has plausible antitrust standing but said it would be premature to rule on enforceability of the fees, and an initial case-management conference is set for Nov. 18. Incoming schools have also sued over exit fees, and the ruling moves the case toward trial unless the conferences reach a settlement.