The Mountain West Conference is seeking mediation in the lawsuit filed against it by the Pac-12 to avoid paying $55 million in “poaching” fees for bringing five teams into its league. The Pac-12 and some schools it is adding claimed the poaching clause was invalid. Colorado State, Utah State, San Diego State, Fresno State, and Boise State are set to join the Pac-12 in 2026. While the Mountain West remains confident in its legal position, it aims to resolve disputes through mutually agreed terms. The Pac-12 needs one more team to reach eight, the minimum for an automatic bid in the College Football Playoff. The Mountain West has added UTEP, Hawaii, and Northern Illinois for football starting in 2026. The once-storied conference nearly folded when most programs left last year, leading to the scheduling agreement with the Mountain West to help continue the football season for Washington State and Oregon State. The ongoing litigation is seen as a distraction from the main priorities of serving member institutions and student-athletes. The Pac-12 did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The situation highlights the shifting landscape of collegiate athletics and the negotiations taking place between conferences.
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