Boise State, Colorado State and Utah State have sued the Mountain West Conference, alleging the conference improperly withheld tens of millions of dollars and mislead them about a covert plan to fast-track the addition of Grand Canyon University.
The three schools are in the process of transferring to the Pac-12.
According to reporting from The Athletic, Mountain West commissioner Gloria Nevarez is named as a defendant. The schools claim the conference and Nevarez "intentionally and fraudulently" deprived them of their membership rights, resulting in significant financial harm and negatively impacting student-athletes' opportunities during their final season in the Mountain West.
The funds withheld amount to tens of millions of dollars in payments, including Boise State's 2024 College Football Playoff revenue. The complaint also highlights unpaid travel reimbursements and withheld NCAA distributions for financial aid, academic support and athlete welfare programs.
The schools are also arguing that the $19 million exit fees per institution invalid and should not be enforced. The Mountain West is also in the middle of suing the Pac-12 for $55 million in "poaching fees" as the school exit the conference.
