REPORT: Pac-12 and Mountain West Agree To Mediation in Legal Battle

Oct 19, 2024; Pullman, Washington, USA; A general view of a Mountain West logo during the Hawaii Warriors at Washington State Cougars football game during the first half at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images | James Snook-Imagn Images

The relationship between the Mountain West Conference and the Pac-12 Conference amidst the Pac-12's efforts to rebuild has been fraught with conflict over the last 12 months. However, it seems to have taken a step toward a positive resolution in recent days.

Per reporting from the Seattle Times, the two leagues will enter mediation on May 19. The leagues also requested a 60-day extension on the current stay of the Pac-12's poaching penalty lawsuit, which was set to expire this month.

The Pac-12 released a statement Wednesday on the decision to enter mediation that read "It is important to note that the Pac-12 initiated this legal action in September 2024, in response to the MWC’s attempt to impose unlawful ‘poaching penalties’ which were designed to hinder our ability to act in the best interests of our student-athletes and member institutions."

That statement continued "While the Pac-12 is committed to engaging in mediation in good faith, we remain confident in the strength of our position and are fully prepared to move forward with our case if we cannot reach an acceptable resolution. Our priority continues to be the well-being and fair treatment of our student-athletes.”

Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State and Utah State are set to join the Pac-12 in 2026 after exiting the Mountain West Conference. The Mountain West asserts that it is owed over $55 million in poaching penalties related to the departure of those schools, as well as millions in exit fees from the schools themselves.

More on this as it develops!

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