Having committed to playing at the Rose Bowl next season, UCLA’s long-term football fate remains in the hands of a court.
Attorneys representing the school are appealing an LA Superior Court judge’s decision to deny arbitration in the Rose Bowl’s breach-of-contract case against UCLA. Those same attorneys have also filed a motion to pause the case, pending the appeal decision.
But discovery has started in the case after a judge denied UCLA’s previous attempt to cease depositions, and it’s possible the appeal may not significantly delay the start of jury selection in the trial.
Washington v UCLA Getty Images
Central to the appeal is the parsing of the dispute resolution clause in a contract that runs through June 2044 and does not include an opt-out provision. Judge Joseph Lipner recently ruled that the dispute resolution clause did not entitle UCLA to decide the matter through arbitration, which would have limited discovery and expedited a resolution out of court.
The Rose Bowl and the City of Pasadena are trying to force the Bruins to remain as tenants through the end of their lease, claiming that their departure would cause “irreparable harm” for which no amount of money could adequately compensate them if the Bruins left for SoFi Stadium.
UCLA’s plans are increasingly uncertain after the school committed to remaining at its longtime home stadium for next season. The move came not long after the dismissal of UCLA vice chancellor and chief financial officer Stephen Agostini, one of the primary proponents of a move to SoFi Stadium.
It’s believed that the proposed move might have been more about finances than football. As part of its relocation, UCLA would benefit from a share of a mixed-use development project near SoFi Stadium. The Bruins would also presumably get suite revenue and a bigger slice of parking income than they receive at the Rose Bowl.
It’s always possible that UCLA and the Rose Bowl could try to renegotiate their lease in a way that would satisfy both sides, ending the lawsuit.
UCLA will enjoy one new source of income at the Rose Bowl next season, keeping money from the sale of premium seats associated with a new $30 million field-level club in the south end zone. Deposits for those seats are expected to go on sale soon.
The Rose Bowl has also sued SoFi Stadium and Kroenke Sports and Entertainment, accusing them of tortious interference by trying to lure away UCLA.
