Overview

• Boise State, Colorado State and Utah State filed a second amended complaint in the District Court of Denver on August 8 that adds Commissioner Gloria Nevarez as a defendant over alleged retaliatory actions against their membership rights.
• The lawsuit alleges the conference withheld tens of millions in College Football Playoff distributions, NCAA grant-in-aid payments, athlete welfare funds and travel reimbursements after the schools announced their departure.
• The plaintiffs claim conference leaders concealed plans to admit Grand Canyon University for the 2025-26 season and denied those intentions until the schools lost their voting rights.
• The three institutions argue that the Mountain West’s $19 million exit fee per school is unlawful and unenforceable and seek damages and an injunction against further assessments.
• This filing marks the latest escalation in conference realignment battles following a stalled mediation over poaching fees and the shifting landscape of Pac-12 and Mountain West membership.