Next step for Pac-12, Mountain West
Nitty gritty: The conferences have agreed to mediate their legal disputes — yep, both of them:The so-called “poaching-penalty” case, filed by the Pac-12 against the Mountain West over $55 million in fees; and the so-called “exit fee case,” filed by Boise State, Colorado State and Utah State against the Mountain West over at least $100 million in exit fees owed by the departing schools.
The first mediation session is scheduled for May 19.
Why it matters: Neither conference wants a court trial; university presidents never want court trials. So mediation was always the most likely outcome for both cases.
One mediator, who is not identified in court filings, will oversee both cases.
We don’t expect an immediate resolution. The process could take a few days or a few weeks. It probably won’t last a few months, however, because both restructured conferences need clarity as they negotiate media rights agreements for the 2026-27 competition year.
Based on conversations with sources, the Hotline gives the Pac-12 a slight advantage in the poaching penalty case and the Mountain West a slight edge in the exit fee case.
In both instances, it’s about a suitable dollar figure — and whether the final tally leaves the Mountain West with enough cash to meet its financial obligations to UNLV and Air Force and prevent the duo from possibly departing the conference.
