UCLA's response to my public records request
Lots of emails, an agreement with the Big 10, but missing key documents.
UCLA is the first Pac 12 university to respond to my request for communications with their new conference. Below is the document, followed by my notes on key parts of the disclosure:
Page 1-38: Lots of email chains about meeting on “the project we are working on” and cover emails for drafts of agreement without indicating any issues.
Page 39: Application to Big 10 (preceded by email to and from Big 10). Note statement in application that UCLA intends to remain a full member of the Pac 12 until August 1, 2024.
Page 41 to 61: Agreement
p44: resolution included clause indicating they will work together prior to membership
p45: $15 million non-refundable application fee due within 30 days. References other sections of agreement where fee may be refunded.
p46: Application fee characterized limit of Big 10 damages and suggests refundable if State of California blocks UCLA move. Timing for closing date of agreement was based on signing of grants of rights and ancillary agreements (listed on page 47).
p52: Big 10 obligated to advise UCLA of any changes to media agreement (suggests UCLA was made aware of Oregon and UW negotiations prior to Pac 12 knowing) See Section 4.04 “Obligations of the Conference. From and after the execution of this Agreement through the Closing, Conference shall reasonably consult with and notify University of the entry into any media rights agreements and amendments that would affect the terms, conditions or benefits available under the Grant of Rights, as well as any changes or revisions to the Governing Documents or other agreements by which University will be bound once it joins the Conference.”
p54: Termination: UCLA has the right to terminate if the composition of the conference is materially different than the time the agreement is executed. This seems like an opening for UCLA to terminate unless they participated in the recruitment of UO and UW.
Page 62: Email from attorneys prior to execution indicating concern with “indemnification/fee” point.