• Loading stock data...
Saturday, December 14, 2024

Conference Realignment: Court Battle Looms in Complicated Saga

  • The Pac-12 is suing the Mountain West over pricey school exit fees.
  • Non–Power 4 conferences are still figuring out how they will be constructed.
James Snook-Imagn Images

Last summer, the Pac-12 saw 10 of its member schools bolt for other conferences, resulting in a temporary two-team league. This fall, the Pac-12 has been the aggressor and is now taking legal action to ensure its survival and supremacy over other non–Power 4 conferences.

In the latest move of this already busy week, the Pac-12 sued the Mountain West over what would be at least $55 million in exit fees for five schools that have agreed to join the former. 

Here’s a recap of the biggest moments so far:

Friends and Foes

The ensuing court battle will come after the breakdown of the Pac-12–Mountain West partnership that helped fill out the football schedules of Oregon State and Washington State this season and next.

Meanwhile, this latest round of realignment is impacting the future of the College Football Playoff, as five conference champions are guaranteed automatic bids in the new 12-team tournament, ensuring at least one non–Power 4 school will make it each year.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

The Top-Secret Operation to Create the Army-Navy Football Uniforms

The two-year process includes dozens of employees, NDAs, and military historians.

NBA Cup Prize: Every Player Wants the Money, But One Would Get..

Each player on the championship team will win nearly $515,000.

Manchester City Is a Mess. It’s Still Breaking Revenue Records

As on-field losses mount, the Premier League giant reports record revenue.
opinion

Why Bill Belichick’s Media Stint Could Help Him at UNC

Belichick became a media fixture during his year away from coaching.

Featured Today

Nov 2, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Detailed view of a Wilson NBA basketball held by a referee during the second half between the Utah Jazz against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena

‘Obvious Weak Point’: Refs Remain an NBA Gambling Concern

A season after Jontay Porter, the biggest risk may not be players.
Nov 2, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines cheerleader runs with a flag before the game against the Oregon Ducks at Michigan Stadium.
opinion
December 7, 2024

College Football’s Billionaire Backer Era Begins

Is this the new normal in CFB recruiting?
LA Galaxy forward Dejan Joveljic (9) celebrates with midfielder Riqui Puig (10) after scoring a goal against Seattle Sounders FC in the second half in the 2024 MLS Cup Western Conference Final match at Dignity Health Sports Park
December 6, 2024

With or Without Messi, Major League Soccer Is Barreling Into the Future

After the Cup final, the league looks to accelerate its growth.
Dec 18, 2022; Lusail, Qatar; FIFA president Gianni Infantino claps during the awards ceremony after the 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium.
December 2, 2024

FIFA Wants More Matches. Resistance Is Growing Inside the Global Soccer World

Resentment and frustration over expanded schedules is nearing a breaking point.
Georgia defensive lineman Mykel Williams (13) goes in for a sack on Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) during the second half of the SEC championship game against Texas in Atlanta, on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024.

How the CFP’s On-Campus Guinea Pigs Are Handling Historic December Home Games

The biggest games in school history will be when students are home for break.
December 12, 2024

Belichick Makes UNC Intentions Clear: ‘I Didn’t Come Here to Leave’

North Carolina formally introduced Bill Belichick on Thursday.
Dec 12, 2024; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels chancellor Lee Roberts reads a transcript about new head coach Bill Belichicks’ father who served as an assistant coach at New North Carolina Tar Heels new in 1954 at Loudermilk Center for Excellence.
December 12, 2024

Belichick’s UNC Deal Contains Clause That Keeps NFL Speculation Alive

The six-time Super Bowl–winning coach will have a $10 million annual salary.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
December 12, 2024

Army-Navy Is Always Big. This Year’s Game Holds Special Significance

This year’s edition of America’s Game carries extra luster for several reasons.
December 12, 2024

Florida State, Still Suing ACC, Claims It Never Wanted to Leave

In court documents last December, the Seminoles said they planned to withdraw.
December 11, 2024

Bill Belichick to Take College Plunge at North Carolina

UNC made the official announcement late Wednesday.
December 11, 2024

Mountain West Adds UC Davis, Wants Northern Illinois

The Aggies’ football team will stay in the FCS.