UCLA Set to Host 2026 Football Season at Rose Bowl Amid Ongoing Lawsuit
UCLA to Play 2026 Football Season at Rose Bowl Amid Ongoing Lease Dispute
UCLA’s new football head coach, Bob Chesney, will lead the Bruins in the 2026 season at the Rose Bowl, a venue that has become synonymous with the university’s heritage. The announcement, made on Saturday, comes against the backdrop of a legal challenge regarding UCLA’s right to potentially break its lease and relocate home games to SoFi Stadium.
Mary Osako, UCLA’s vice chancellor for strategic communications, emphasized the significance of game days for the Bruins community. “We know how much game day means to Bruins — to our students, alumni, and fans who plan their autumn around Saturdays together,” she stated. “Our priority is delivering a strong season experience for our student-athletes and our community, and we have great momentum in our football program.”
Despite a lawsuit indicating that UCLA has informed the Rose Bowl it plans to “move on” from its lease, the university has not officially stated its intentions to switch venues. Osako previously noted, “While we continue to evaluate the long-term arrangement for UCLA football home games, no decision has been made.”
The legal battle intensified when a judge denied UCLA’s request to resolve its disputes with the Rose Bowl operators and the city of Pasadena through arbitration. This ruling casts doubt on whether the challenges could be settled in time for the Bruins to consider alternate locations for the 2026 season.
In October, the city of Pasadena and the Rose Bowl Operating Company filed a lawsuit seeking to ensure that UCLA honors its contract to play at the stadium until 2044. The legal documents argue that the university has pursued plans for SoFi Stadium, describing such actions as “a profound betrayal of trust.” Consequently, Rose Bowl officials have included SoFi Stadium and its operator, Kroenke Sports, in the lawsuit.
UCLA’s lease at the Rose Bowl is set to run until June 30, 2044. Pasadena officials highlight that taxpayers have contributed over $150 million for renovations and have recently refinanced an additional $130 million in bonds for capital improvements. Despite its historic charm, fans have voiced concerns about the aging venue, citing discomfort in seating and a lack of modern amenities.
The next court hearing in this ongoing dispute is scheduled for Friday, as the case moves closer to trial.
