Utah Valley University, which will be leaving for the Big West Conference this summer, is being sued for $1 million by the Western Athletic Conference. The lawsuit threatens to ban UVU from broadcasts and playoff games.
The WAC filed the suit on Monday, Feb. 2, in a Texas district court. They allege that UVU was required to pay a conference exit fee by Jan. 31 but failed to do so.
The conference sent a letter reminding Utah Valley of the exit fee last June, but UVU President Astrid Tuminez allegedly wrote back on Jan. 22 that the school would not pay the fee. Tuminez is stepping down as president this May.
WAC commissioner Rebekah Ray announced on Thursday, Feb. 5, that all UVU athletic events would be unavailable to stream on ESPN+ and would not be on the conference’s broadcast schedule.
The WAC is also banning UVU from competing in the WAC Championship or NCAA Tournament. Utah Valley’s track and field squads and men’s basketball team are considered favorites for their respective conference titles.
“Utah Valley University has failed to live up to its contractual obligations in accordance with Conference Bylaws, which have previously been enforced to UVU’s benefit,” Ray said in a statement to Deseret News. “With full knowledge of the consequences, UVU chose not to meet their obligation, resulting in significant impacts to their student-athletes and other innocent parties. The conference remains committed to working toward a swift resolution and minimizing disruption for those affected.”
UVU barely missed March Madness last year. If the $1 million fee isn’t paid in time, the Wolverines would be boxed out of the tournament once again. They’ll also likely see a decline in revenue from radio and television broadcasts.
Author: Payson Davis
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Editor: Fanny Felixine
