UCLA to Play 2026 Football Season at Rose Bowl as Lawsuit Continues

New coach Bob Chesney will lead the Bruins at the historic venue amid ongoing legal dispute over potential move to SoFi Stadium.

Feb. 21, 2026 at 10:12pm

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UCLA announced that the Bruins will play the 2026 football season at the Rose Bowl as the university continues litigation over potentially breaking its lease and moving home games to SoFi Stadium. The decision comes amid an ongoing lawsuit filed by the city of Pasadena and the Rose Bowl Operating Co. to force UCLA to honor its contract to play at the iconic stadium through the 2044 season.

Why it matters

The Rose Bowl has long been the home venue for UCLA football, but the university has been exploring a potential move to the newer and more modern SoFi Stadium. This has led to a legal dispute, with the city and Rose Bowl operators arguing that UCLA is contractually obligated to remain at the historic stadium. The 2026 season decision suggests the legal issues may not be resolved in time for a move, at least in the short term.

The details

UCLA announced it will play the 2026 football season at the Rose Bowl, with new head coach Bob Chesney leading the team. This comes as the university continues to be embroiled in a lawsuit with the city of Pasadena and the Rose Bowl Operating Co. over potentially breaking its lease and moving home games to SoFi Stadium. The lawsuit alleges UCLA has been working to play at SoFi, which the university has not publicly confirmed. Pasadena officials say taxpayers have invested over $150 million in Rose Bowl renovations and recently refinanced an additional $130 million in bonds for improvements.

  • UCLA announced the 2026 season decision on February 21, 2026.
  • The next hearing in the lawsuit is scheduled for Friday.

The players

Bob Chesney

The new head coach of the UCLA football team.

Mary Osako

UCLA vice chancellor for strategic communications.

Kroenke Sports

The operator of SoFi Stadium, which has been added to the lawsuit by Rose Bowl officials.

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What they’re saying

“We know how much game day means to Bruins — to our students, alumni and fans who plan their autumn around Saturdays together. Our priority is delivering a strong season experience for our student-athletes and our community, and we have great momentum in our football program.”

— Mary Osako, UCLA vice chancellor for strategic communications (Los Angeles Times)

“While we continue to evaluate the long-term arrangement for UCLA football home games, no decision has been made.”

— Mary Osako, UCLA vice chancellor for strategic communications (Los Angeles Times)

What’s next

The next hearing in the case is scheduled for Friday as it proceeds toward trial, where the judge will determine if UCLA must honor its contract to play at the Rose Bowl through the 2044 season.

The takeaway

The decision to play the 2026 season at the Rose Bowl highlights the ongoing legal dispute between UCLA and the city of Pasadena/Rose Bowl operators over the university's potential move to the newer and more modern SoFi Stadium. This temporary solution maintains the historic tradition of UCLA football at the iconic Rose Bowl, but the long-term home of the Bruins remains uncertain as the lawsuit continues.