The Western Athletic Conference, the current home of Utah Tech and SUU athletics, has filed a $1 million lawsuit against Utah Valley University.

Utah Valley University, as well as other local Utah schools, Utah Tech and SUU, are leaving the WAC after the 2025-2026 season. Each of these schools that plan on leaving the conference are required by the WAC bylaws to pay an exit fee before relocating to another conference. That fee deadline was set for January 31st, and Utah Valley University has yet to pay on the $1 million price tag.

The WAC has taken measures to ensure that the unpaid fine doesn’t go without a form of punishment. As of Thursday afternoon, all Utah Valley athletic competitions are no longer going to be broadcast on ESPN+, the broadcasting partner for the WAC. Utah Valley is also ineligible for contention in any NCAA playoffs.

This ruling would mean that UVU, who is currently tied for first place in the WAC for men’s basketball, would not be allowed to play in the NCAA Basketball tournament.

WAC Commissioner, Rebekah Ray, released a statement via the WAC social media pages saying, “This action is required due to Utah Valley University’s failure to meet its obligations under WAC bylaw resulting in its status as a member institution not in good standing.”

UVU, SUU, and Utah Tech all informed the WAC that they will be leaving the conference at the end of the 25-26 school year. SUU and Utah Tech are bound for the Big Sky Conference, while UVU is moving to the Big West Conference.

Neither Utah Tech or SUU have paid the exit fee, but they each reached an agreement with the WAC to waive the exit fee meaning they are both still eligible for NCAA tournament competition and will not see a blackout in streaming coverage.

With UVU facing punishment for their unpaid fines, the door is now open for Utah Tech to make the NCAA Tournament in March. UVU is currently tied for first in men’s basketball while Utah Tech stands just a half game out of first place. Ultimately, it will all come down to performance in the WAC Tournament in Las Vegas.

Utah Tech will face off against Utah Valley in men’s basketball on Thursday, February 12 at the Burns Arena in St. George.