The University of Washington Opposes Washington State and Oregon State’s Request to Control Pac-12 Board
The University of Washington has filed a motion opposing a recent request by Washington State and Oregon State to take control of the Pac-12 board. The motion, filed in Whitman County (Wash.) Superior Court, raises concerns that the two schools would control all conference revenue from 2023-24 for themselves.
Washington had previously filed a motion last month to join the case as a defendant alongside the Pac-12 and commissioner George Kliavkoff. Additionally, the 10 departing schools released a joint statement expressing their concerns about the situation. They stated that granting Oregon State and Washington State unilateral authority over the conference’s revenue would harm their universities and their ability to provide resources and opportunities for their student-athletes.
Oregon State and Washington State argue that all 10 departing schools are no longer board members since they have announced their departures, effective August 1, 2024. They cited past comments from Kliavkoff, where he claimed that USC and UCLA were removed from the board when they announced their Big Ten plans last year. They also referenced a text message from Kliavkoff on August 4, where he stated that the league only had four board members left.
However, the University of Washington’s filing disputes these claims. They argue that despite Kliavkoff’s comments, USC and UCLA were never actually removed from the board. The filing also states that all members had previously agreed that current-year revenues should be shared evenly among all active members, and that Oregon State and Washington State can do whatever they want with the money after that.
The joint statement from the 10 departing schools emphasizes that the lawsuit stems from a flawed interpretation of the Pac-12 bylaws. These bylaws were drafted and ratified by all 12 schools to ensure equal revenue distribution for every member remaining in the conference until the end of the current media rights deal in summer 2024. The statement asserts that all 10 member schools have adhered to these bylaws and are determined to protect their rights to participate in Pac-12 Conference governance throughout the current season.
The statement also highlights that regardless of the lawsuit’s outcome, Oregon State and Washington State will still control approximately $200 million in conference revenue after the 10 schools depart. While they acknowledge and respect the need for Oregon State and Washington State to secure the best future for their institutions, they cannot allow their legal campaign to harm their efforts on behalf of their student-athletes and university communities.
In September, Oregon State and Washington State went to court to stop the Pac-12 board from meeting, fearing that the group would vote to dissolve the league or take control of money and assets. The court ruled in favor of Oregon State and Washington State, allowing the Pac-12 to conduct normal business but prohibiting them from meeting as a board without court approval.
In response to the University of Washington’s filing, Oregon State and Washington State released a statement reiterating their belief that they should control the conference now. They expressed disappointment in the departing schools for reversing their interpretation of the bylaws and attempting to take control of the Pac-12, a conference to which they no longer have any loyalty. However, Oregon State and Washington State remain committed to protecting their universities, ensuring accountability and transparency, safeguarding student-athletes and the Pac-12 Conference, and preserving their options moving forward.
The battle for control of the Pac-12 board continues, with Washington State and Oregon State seeking control while the departing schools fight to protect their interests. The outcome of this legal dispute will have significant implications for the future of the conference and its member institutions.