In a significant escalation amid ongoing conference realignment efforts, the Pac-12 Conference has filed a federal lawsuit against the Mountain West Conference, challenging a contentious 'poaching penalty' that exceeds $43 million. The Pac-12 asserts that these fees, which are claimed to be associated with the potential poaching of member schools, are unlawful and unenforceable. This lawsuit comes as the Pac-12 seeks to defend its positioning against what it considers aggressive maneuvers by the Mountain West during a tumultuous time for collegiate athletics. The legal battle highlights the intensifying disputes within college sports as conferences vie for stability and growth.