UCLA Commits to Rose Bowl for 2026 Season

New head coach Bob Chesney will lead Bruins at historic venue for at least one more year

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

UCLA has announced that it will play the 2026 football season at the iconic Rose Bowl stadium, ending speculation that the team could relocate to SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. The decision comes as the university remains locked in a legal dispute with the City of Pasadena and the Rose Bowl Operating Company over the long-standing agreement to host games at the Rose Bowl.

Why it matters

The Rose Bowl has been the home of UCLA football since 1982, and the venue is deeply tied to the program's legacy and tradition. Keeping the team at the Rose Bowl for 2026 will allow new head coach Bob Chesney to build on that history in his first full season, while also ensuring the continuation of the storied USC-UCLA rivalry game at the historic stadium.

The details

UCLA had explored the possibility of moving its home games to SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, which is closer to the university's campus and could offer increased revenue opportunities from premium seating and suites. However, Pasadena officials and the Rose Bowl Operating Company filed a lawsuit claiming that such a move would be a 'betrayal of trust' and could cost the city up to $1 billion in damages. With this decision, UCLA will now spend at least one more season playing at the Rose Bowl, where it is scheduled to host seven home games in 2026, starting with a season opener against California on September 5.

  • UCLA will play the 2026 football season at the Rose Bowl.
  • The legal dispute between UCLA, Pasadena, and the Rose Bowl Operating Company is scheduled for a court hearing on Friday.

The players

Bob Chesney

The new head coach of the UCLA football team, who joined the program after leading James Madison to a College Football Playoff appearance in 2025.

Pasadena

The city that is suing UCLA over the university's discussions to potentially relocate its home games to SoFi Stadium, claiming a breach of their longstanding agreement and potential $1 billion in damages.

Rose Bowl Operating Company

The organization that manages the Rose Bowl stadium and is also suing UCLA over the potential relocation of the team's home games.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“UCLA will play the upcoming football season at the Rose Bowl. We know how much game day means to Bruins — to our students, alumni, and fans who plan their autumn around Saturdays together.”

— UCLA Officials (The California Post)

What’s next

The legal dispute between UCLA, Pasadena, and the Rose Bowl Operating Company is scheduled for a court hearing on Friday, which could determine the long-term future of the Bruins' home games.

The takeaway

By committing to play the 2026 season at the Rose Bowl, UCLA is embracing the venue's deep connection to the program's legacy and tradition. This decision ensures the continuation of the storied USC-UCLA rivalry game at the historic stadium, while also providing new head coach Bob Chesney with a stable home environment to build upon in his first full season with the Bruins.