WAC Removes UVU Games From Broadcast Schedule Amid Exit Fee Dispute
Feb 5, 2026, 2:52 PM | Updated: Feb 6, 2026, 10:09 am
(Photo courtesy of Laura Seitz, Deseret News)
(Photo courtesy of Laura Seitz, Deseret News)
The Western Athletic Conference has pulled all Utah Valley University basketball games from its broadcast schedule, effective tonight.
The move is sparked by an ongoing dispute over unpaid conference exit fees.
A statement from WAC Commissioner Rebekah Ray pic.twitter.com/m8ebwewE9b
— The Western Athletic Conference (@WACsports) February 5, 2026
The Wolverines host the Abilene Christian Wildcats with tip-off scheduled for 6:00 p.m. (MT).
WAC Commissioner Rebekah Ray released a statement on the broadcasts being pulled that read:
Beginning today with the Men’s Basketball game between Abilene Christian University at Utah Valley University, the Western Athletic Conference has removed all Utah Valley University home athletic contests from its broadcast schedule until further notice. These events will not be available on ESPN+ or otherwise. This action is required due to Utah Valley University’s failure to meet its obligations under WAC bylaws, resulting in its status as a member institution not in good standing. The conference is obligated to enforce its bylaws and associated contractual requirements and remains open to discussion should Utah Valley University seek to resolve this matter.
Including tonight’s game against the Wildcats, the UVU men’s basketball team has five more home games left on its schedule as it fights to hold onto the No. 1 spot in the conference standings.
The broadcast move also affects other sports in season right now, including women’s basketball, softball, and wrestling.
WAC Files Suit Against Utah Valley University Over Exit Fees
The Utah Valley Wolverines and Western Athletic Conference are potentially headed to court after the WAC filed suit against the school for unpaid exit fees.
ESPN’s Pete Thamel first reported the news.
The suit, filed on February 2 in the Tarrant County, Texas, district court, alleges that Utah Valley University has failed to pay a $1 million exit fee for leaving the conference.
Utah Valley is scheduled to exit the WAC for the Big West as of July 1, 2026.
Conference Realignment: Utah Valley University To Join Big West
Whoah! “As a result UVU is not permitted to participate in conference championship events or NCAA championship events”
UVU not eligible for March Madness.#GoUVU @KSLSports https://t.co/e2H4J2uFcB— Sam Farnsworth (@Samsworth_TV) February 3, 2026
“UVU’s President stated in writing that UVU ‘will not pay an exit fee’ and refused to comply with the WAC’s bylaws for exiting members,” the suit reads.
As a result of their failure to pay, the WAC has determined that Utah Valley is currently ‘a member institution not in good standing’.
The Wolverines will not be allowed to participate in conference championship events, NCAA championship events, and/or appear on Conference-sponsored television, radio, or other media packages.
