The Pac-12 conference has filed a lawsuit against the Mountain West conference, alleging that the Mountain West has been illegally collecting “poaching fees” from schools that leave the conference. The Pac-12 argues that these fees are invalid and should not be enforced. The lawsuit is part of a larger legal battle between the two conferences over realignment and conference membership.
According to the lawsuit, the Mountain West has been charging schools that leave the conference a fee of $500,000 to $1 million. The Pac-12 claims that these fees are a violation of antitrust laws and are not legally enforceable. The lawsuit also accuses the Mountain West of trying to stifle competition and prevent schools from leaving the conference.
The dispute between the Pac-12 and Mountain West began when the University of Houston and the University of Cincinnati announced their intentions to leave the Mountain West and join the Pac-12. The Mountain West responded by imposing the poaching fees on the schools, prompting the Pac-12 to take legal action.
The lawsuit is just the latest development in the ongoing battle between the two conferences over conference realignment. The Pac-12 has accused the Mountain West of trying to block its expansion plans, while the Mountain West has claimed that the Pac-12 is engaging in unfair recruiting practices.
The outcome of the lawsuit could have significant implications for the future of college athletics and conference realignment. Both conferences have indicated that they are prepared to fight the legal battle to the end, setting the stage for a lengthy and contentious legal dispute.
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