Pac-12 and Mountain West clinch in-principle deal to end exit/poaching fee dispute

The Pac-12 and Mountain West have reached an in‑principle settlement to resolve civil lawsuits over exit and poaching fees tied to defections, with final terms due by June 2. Although details aren’t public yet, the fees are expected to be discounted from the more than $150 million initially claimed, with per‑school estimates around $10 million for the five Mountain West schools that joined the Pac-12. The resolution comes as the Pac-12 prepares to relaunch for the 2026‑27 year with eight football members and nine in basketball, following a long period of litigation and negotiations.