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Pac-12 Sues Mountain West Over Poaching Fees; UNLV, Air Force Stay

Sep 26, 2024, 02:51 PM

In a significant development in college sports realignment, the Pac-12 conference has sued the Mountain West Conference (MWC) amid ongoing disputes over member schools and poaching fees. The lawsuit follows a series of moves and counter-moves between the two conferences. The Pac-12 recently added Utah State, but failed to lure UNLV and Air Force, who have committed to remain in the Mountain West. This leaves both conferences short of the eight members required for College Football Playoff (CFP) automatic qualification. The Mountain West has signed a retention agreement with its seven remaining members, including Hawaii, which is a football-only member. Financial incentives have been offered to retain these schools, with Air Force and UNLV receiving the largest shares. The MWC is due $145 million in poaching and exit fees, pending lawsuits or settlement. The Pac-12 is now searching for an eighth member to meet the CFP requirements.