Federal judge rules in favor of Mountain East Conference in exit fee lawsuit

“While we strongly believe this issue should not have required legal action, this is the appropriate and just outcome we have hoped for since 2020,” MEC Commissioner Reid Amos said. “I greatly appreciate our member presidents who serve on our MEC board of directors for their consistent support regarding our commitment to achieving this result.”

“This ruling reinforces the notion that the constitutions and bylaws of athletic conferences that include an exit fee are enforceable contractual agreements between the conference and its members,” said Michael S. Garrison, who led the Spilman litigation team.

“This is a significant win for the MEC and its member institutions. It is also an important and well-reasoned decision in the era of continued conference realignment.”