Judge Orders WAC to Allow UVU in Postseason Tournaments

Ongoing legal dispute over $1 million exit fee leads to temporary restraining order

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A Utah judge has ordered the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) to allow Utah Valley University (UVU) sports teams to participate in upcoming postseason tournaments, despite the WAC barring UVU from postseason play due to the school's failure to pay a $1 million conference exit fee. The judge found that the damage to UVU outweighs the damage to the WAC, and that UVU will likely prevail in the ongoing legal dispute.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex financial and legal issues surrounding conference realignment in college sports. The judge's ruling allows UVU's student-athletes to compete for conference and NCAA championships, which could have significant impacts on their athletic careers and the university's brand. It also raises questions about the enforceability of conference exit fees and the balance of power between schools and athletic conferences.

The details

The WAC filed a lawsuit against UVU earlier this month, alleging the school failed to pay a $1 million exit fee after accepting an invitation to join the Big West Conference starting in July 2025. Because UVU did not make the payment by the January 31 deadline, the WAC deemed the school no longer a member in good standing and barred its teams from conference tournament and NCAA championship play, as well as conference-sponsored media coverage. UVU then filed its own complaint seeking an injunction to allow its teams to participate in upcoming WAC postseason events.

  • The WAC filed its lawsuit against UVU in early February 2026.
  • UVU filed its complaint against the WAC about two weeks later.
  • On February 25, 2026, the Utah judge issued a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction, ordering the WAC to reinstate UVU's participation in postseason tournaments and media coverage.

The players

Utah Valley University (UVU)

A public university located in Orem, Utah that is moving from the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) to the Big West Conference in July 2025.

Western Athletic Conference (WAC)

An NCAA Division I athletic conference that UVU is currently a member of, with headquarters located in Arlington, Texas.

Judge Denise Porter

A judge in the Utah 3rd District Court who issued the temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction against the WAC.

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What they’re saying

“The court is persuaded that careful review of the motion pleadings, exhibits and papers show that UVU will likely prevail upon its claims and is entitled to the equitable remedy of a restraining order as relief to reinstate their participation in the conference while the fee issue is litigated to prevent irreparable harm.”

— Judge Denise Porter, Utah 3rd District Court Judge (Court filing)

“The WAC has been consistent, upfront, and open with UVU and has attempted to avoid this dispute. Unfortunately, UVU preferred to elevate this dispute and refused to comply with contractual obligations as expressly agreed to and as set forth in the bylaws.”

— Western Athletic Conference (WAC lawsuit)

What’s next

The judge's order is a temporary measure, and the underlying legal dispute between UVU and the WAC over the $1 million exit fee will continue to be litigated. A final decision on the enforceability of the exit fee and UVU's status in the WAC is expected in the coming months.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex financial and legal challenges facing universities and athletic conferences as they navigate conference realignment. It underscores the need for clear, enforceable contracts and the importance of finding equitable solutions that balance the interests of all stakeholders - the schools, the conferences, and most importantly, the student-athletes.