UCLA Football to Play 2026 at Rose Bowl Amid Lawsuit

UCLA announced Saturday that its football team will play the 2026 season at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, continuing a longstanding tradition amid ongoing legal disputes over a potential relocation to SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.

The decision comes as the university navigates a lawsuit filed by the city of Pasadena and Rose Bowl operators in October, which seeks to enforce UCLA's lease at the venue through 2044. The plaintiffs allege that UCLA's exploration of a move to SoFi Stadium constitutes a breach of contract, potentially causing over $1 billion in economic losses to the stadium and surrounding community. Pasadena officials highlighted investments exceeding $150 million in recent renovations and an additional $130 million in refinanced bonds for improvements. A judge denied a request for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction last month, citing insufficient urgency, but the case is proceeding toward trial with the next hearing set for Friday.

UCLA has not publicly committed to leaving the Rose Bowl long-term. In a statement, Vice Chancellor for Strategic Communications Mary Osako emphasized the importance of the venue to the community. "We know how...