In a significant legal victory, Oregon State University and Washington State University have gained control over the Pac-12 conference, following a ruling by the Washington state Supreme Court. The decision, issued on Friday, upholds a previous judgment from the Whitman County Superior Court in favor of the two schools.

The legal battle for control of the Pac-12 arose after eight other schools decided to leave the conference for different conferences during the summer. Oregon State and Washington State argued that they should be the only ones with voting rights in the conference, and their position has now been validated by the court.

Initially, a preliminary injunction was granted in October by a Washington state court judge, granting Oregon State and Washington State control over the conference, including its estimated $400 million assets. This injunction was later put on hold by the state Supreme Court to allow for a full review of the case.

Friday's ruling lifts the stay and reinstates Oregon State and Washington State as the sole decision-makers for the Pac-12. This decision will have a direct impact on the conference's revenue and assets. The ruling marks a significant victory for the two remaining schools, although it comes after a tumultuous 18-month period for the Pac-12.

Oregon State and Washington State initiated legal action out of concern that the departing schools might exploit their voting power to dissolve the conference and gain control of its assets before leaving. The ruling ensures that the departing schools forfeit their voting rights due to their decision to leave the Pac-12.

The University of Washington, one of the four schools set to join the Big Ten, sought a stay from the state Supreme Court on behalf of the departing members of the conference. However, the court ultimately sided with Oregon State and Washington State.

With the future of the Pac-12 now in the hands of Oregon State and Washington State, both universities have expressed their commitment to making decisions that serve the best interests of the conference and its student-athletes. They also emphasize their intention to engage in collaboration and consultation with the departing universities.

The Pac-12's current media rights agreement is due to expire at the end of the 2023-24 school year. This agreement allows for a smooth transition for Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah to join the Big 12, while Oregon and Washington will move to the Big Ten. Cal and Stanford have made the geographically challenging decision to join the ACC.

As Oregon State and Washington State assume control of the Pac-12 and its assets, attention will now turn to their stewardship of the conference and their efforts to secure a new media rights agreement. The outcome of this ruling will shape the future direction of the Pac-12 and its member institutions.