The Washington Supreme Court on Tuesday granted the University of Washington’s emergency motion to prevent Washington State and Oregon State from assuming sole control of the Pac-12’s leadership and remaining assets for the time being.
On Nov. 14, a Whitman County (Wash.) Superior Court judge ruled in favor of the two schools, which will be the only remaining members of the conference after the other 10 schools leave for the Big Ten, Big 12 and ACC in 2024 . That injunction would have made the presidents of Oregon and Washington states the only voting members of the Pac-12 board, pending a temporary suspension. With Tuesday’s decision, a TRO signed on September 11th remains in effect and ensures the cooperation of all league members for the time being. Applications for discretionary review in this matter will be submitted in full by December 12th.
In the ruling, the Commissioner of the Supreme Court wrote that “business as usual” was the “less intrusive temporary position pending this Court’s decision granting review.”
What that means
This isn’t necessarily a surprise, but it will delay any actual actions Oregon State and Washington State might want to take — “aggressive” actions, as they said in their statement. While I think they can figure out if the Mountain West scheduling arrangement can work and come to fruition for the 2024 football season, it impacts the two schools’ ability to fill the conference and figure out if the Pac- Brand 12 may exist again at some point. —Nicole Auerbach
What you say
“We are pleased that the Washington Supreme Court has put on hold the injunction that would have given OSU and WSU sole control of the Pac-12 Conference. The decision effectively ensures that all 12 current members have an equal voice in deciding how the revenue our schools generated this year is distributed and used while the court considers our arguments.
“This funding is critical to our ability to operate our athletics programs and provide mental and physical health services, academic support and other support programs to our student-athletes. The total revenues of 12 schools in the 2023-2024 school year should not be unilaterally controlled by just two institutions while we all remain members of the conference.” – Statement of the 10 schools leaving the Pac-12
“We are disappointed by the Washington Supreme Court commissioner’s decision to grant the withdrawing schools temporary veto power over Pac-12 board matters while they appeal the high court’s reasoned decision to grant the request of the states of Oregon and Washington , to rule as Pac.” -12’s only remaining members. We did not create or seek these circumstances, but Oregon State and Washington State remain committed to taking strong action to protect our universities, ensure accountability and transparency, protect student-athletes and the Pac-12 Conference, and our options for to preserve the future. The lawsuit is still pending and this request sought interim relief pending appeal. OSU and WSU will seek judicial review of the commissioner’s decision.” – Statement from the State of Oregon and the State of Washington
Required reading
(Photo: Steph Chambers/Getty Images)