Utah Valley University (UVU) has publicly addressed its ongoing legal dispute with the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) regarding UVU’s planned exit from the conference on July 1, 2026. The university’s statement responds to recent comments from the WAC that have prompted UVU to clarify the situation, particularly concerning a claim for an exit fee and the non-payment of significant funds.
The litigation centers on two main issues: UVU’s departure from the WAC and the conference’s failure to disburse approximately $2.3 million in NCAA distributions owed to UVU. These funds are essential for the university to maintain and support its athletic programs. According to UVU, based on an agreement established among WAC members on June 21, 2024, the university believes it is not obligated to pay an exit fee. UVU asserts that it has met its commitment to remain in the conference until June 30, 2026.
Despite this, the WAC initiated legal action against UVU in Texas, seeking a $1 million exit fee and attempting to prevent UVU from participating in postseason tournaments until the fee is paid. In response, UVU has contested the Texas court’s jurisdiction over the matter, emphasizing that critical legal decisions for Utah’s largest public university should not be decided outside of its home state.
In a proactive move, UVU filed a counter-suit against the WAC and obtained two injunctions from Utah’s Fourth Judicial District Court. The first, a temporary restraining order issued on February 24, 2026, was in effect for 14 days. The subsequent ruling on March 6, 2026, granted a preliminary injunction that mandated the WAC to take several actions:
1. The WAC must immediately reinstate UVU in all WAC-sponsored media broadcasts.
2. UVU teams and student-athletes are to be allowed participation in all upcoming WAC and NCAA postseason tournaments.
3. The eligibility of UVU teams, coaches, and student-athletes for postseason awards consideration must be restored.
It is important to note that UVU has not made any payment as a settlement or exit fee to the WAC. As part of the ongoing legal proceedings, UVU has agreed to place $1 million in an escrow account managed by the court. If UVU prevails in the litigation, the funds will be returned to the university.
On March 10, 2026, the WAC issued a unilateral statement concerning the escrow payment, claiming a self-imposed deadline that had not been established by the court. UVU interpreted this action as a potential violation of the court’s preliminary injunction. Following this, the court confirmed receipt of the escrow funds in an order issued on March 11, 2026. The court acknowledged UVU’s timely actions in placing the funds in escrow as directed.
Despite the WAC’s public assertions, UVU maintains that it is in compliance with all court orders and will continue to advocate for the rights of its student-athletes to compete. The university expresses hope for a swift resolution to the ongoing litigation.
