Pac12 vs MWC Sept (Lawsuit Update)

[OrediggerPoke]

On Tuesday 10-28 this was posted to the court in California:

“ADR Certification (ADR L.R. 3-5 b) of discussion of ADR options ADR Certification by Parties and Counsel”

Is there a push to negotiate a settlement? It doesn’t state this was filed by only one entity as it states “Parties and Counsel”.

The legal minds can explain if this is standard procedure or if it means anything else.

ADR (alternative dispute resolution) attempt or conferral is required in California and some other states for a civil case to move forward. Just means the parties complied with the civil procedure requirement. Means absolutely nothing for the case.

We already know the parties tried to mediate the case which is a form of ADR. This is telling the court, yes we at least tried that initially.

 

[Itsux2beaewe]

If we get a full amount, we should pay buyouts on all remaining games with any pac team and kill all future scheduling in any sport.

I could see Burman scheduling a game with any of them. At their “house”……..

 

[Wyolie Coyote]

I could see Burman scheduling a game with any of them. At their “house”……..

And pay them to play them at their house....

 

[CajunPoke]

As per Grok....

The October 28, 2025, Filing: ADR CertificationThe document you mentioned—"ADR Certification (ADR L.R. 3-5 b) of discussion of ADR options ADR Certification by Parties and Counsel"—is a standard procedural filing under the Northern District of California's Local Rules (specifically ADR L.R. 3-5(b)). This rule requires parties in civil cases to certify that they've met and conferred (either in person, by phone, or video) to discuss Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) options, such as mediation, early neutral evaluation, or settlement conferences. It's typically filed early in the case but can be submitted later if not done initially, often to comply with court orders or prepare for case management conferences.In this context:

• What it means: This filing confirms that counsel for both the MWC and Pac-12 have discussed non-trial resolution paths. It's a positive signal, as it shows active engagement in settlement efforts, which aligns with prior mediation attempts (e.g., the February/March 2025 pause). Discovery in antitrust cases can be costly and revealing (e.g., exposing internal emails on negotiations), so parties often settle to avoid it.
• Timing and implications: Filed on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 (just days after the current date), this likely precedes an initial case management conference (often scheduled 90-120 days post-motion denial). It doesn't resolve the case but keeps settlement doors open. If ADR proceeds, a neutral third party (e.g., a magistrate judge) could facilitate talks, potentially reducing the $55M+ claim.
• Public availability: Court filings like this are accessible via PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records). No major media outlets reported it as a "breakthrough" on October 28, suggesting it's procedural rather than substantive—though X (formerly Twitter) discussions that day referenced podcast updates on the suit without specifics on this doc.

Current Status and Potential OutcomesAs of November 1, 2025, the case remains active, with no trial date set. Settlement remains the most likely path, given the conferences' histories of cooperation (e.g., the 2024 scheduling) and the high stakes for both: the Pac-12 needs funds to stabilize its 2026 relaunch with the five MWC additions plus Gonzaga (non-football), while the MWC seeks compensation for lost revenue.

Aspect	Pac-12 Position	MWC Position
Core Claim	Penalty is illegal antitrust restraint on competition.	Legitimate damages for breach of "poaching" clause.
Amount at Stake	Seeks declaration of invalidity; no penalties owed.	$55M+ in fees, plus interest.
ADR History	Open to mediation to avoid discovery.	Initiated talks in Feb 2025; views as contractual enforcement.
Next Steps	Case management conference likely soon; possible ADR referral.	Could appeal denial but focusing on settlement per filing.

If you're looking for the full docket or have more details (e.g., a docket number or link), I can dig deeper. This filing is a routine but encouraging step toward resolution amid the conferences' realignment draw