Judge Declines Ruling in Ongoing Pac-12, Mountain West Lawsuit

A federal lawsuit between the Pac-12 and Mountain West conferences over $55 million in so-called 'poaching penalties' remains unresolved after a recent hearing before Magistrate Judge Susan van Keulen in San Jose, California. The Pac-12 filed the lawsuit in September 2024, challenging the Mountain West's demand for penalties following the departure of five schools to the Pac-12, arguing that these penalties are unlawful and obstructive. The Mountain West moved to dismiss the case, but Judge van Keulen declined to rule at the hearing, opting to consider the arguments further before issuing a decision in the coming weeks. The lawsuit follows a failed mediation attempt between the conferences and includes additional disputes over exit fees allegedly owed to the Mountain West. The Pac-12 emphasized its commitment to continue the legal battle to protect its member institutions and student-athletes, while the Mountain West claims it is owed over $150 million from the Pac-12 and the departing schools. The outcome of the case could lead to further discovery and trial or potentially be dismissed, but no immediate resolution is expected.