On Tuesday, the states of Washington and Oregon filed a lawsuit against the Pac-12 conference, alleging that the conference has violated state and federal antitrust laws by controlling assets and voting rights. The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.
The lawsuit claims that the Pac-12 has illegally restricted the ability of its member universities to compete in the market for college sports. Specifically, the lawsuit alleges that the Pac-12 has used its control over assets and voting rights to limit competition and drive up prices for college sports. The lawsuit also claims that the Pac-12 has used its control to limit the ability of its member universities to recruit athletes and coaches, and to restrict their ability to negotiate television contracts.
The lawsuit seeks to have the court declare that the Pac-12’s actions are illegal under state and federal antitrust laws, and to enjoin the Pac-12 from continuing its practices. Washington and Oregon are seeking damages, as well as an order requiring the Pac-12 to change its practices.
The lawsuit is the latest in a series of legal challenges to the Pac-12’s control over college sports. In recent years, several other states have sued the conference over similar issues. In addition, several former Pac-12 athletes have filed lawsuits alleging that the conference has violated their rights under state and federal labor laws.
The lawsuit is likely to have far-reaching implications for college sports. If Washington and Oregon are successful in their lawsuit, it could lead to significant changes in the way college sports are governed. It could also open the door for other states to challenge the Pac-12’s control over college sports.
For now, however, it remains to be seen how the lawsuit will play out. The Pac-12 has yet to respond to the lawsuit, and it is unclear how long it will take for the case to be resolved. In the meantime, Washington and Oregon will continue to press their case in court.
