Emails released this week show that UCLA and SoFi Stadium began negotiating a potential move for the Bruins’ home football games as early as August 2024, months before the Rose Bowl and the City of Pasadena filed a lawsuit to keep the team at the historic venue.
Background and Context
The UCLA Bruins have played their home football games at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena since 1982, a relationship that has become a cornerstone of the university’s athletic identity. The lease, signed in 2018, obligates UCLA to host games through the 2043 season and includes a clause that the university must contribute to the stadium’s $184 million bond debt. In 2025, the Rose Bowl Operating Company and the City of Pasadena sued UCLA, arguing that the Bruins’ departure would cause “irreparable harm” and jeopardize the city’s financial commitments.
Meanwhile, the Bruins’ athletic department has been grappling with a $219 million debt over the past six years, prompting officials to explore new revenue streams. The prospect of moving to SoFi Stadium in Inglewood—home to the Los Angeles Rams and the Los Angeles Chargers—appeared to offer a larger, more modern venue and potentially higher ticket sales. The legal battle, now in its second year, has drawn national attention, especially as President Trump’s administration has emphasized sports infrastructure investment in California.
Key Developments
Newly released emails, now part of the discovery in the Rose Bowl lawsuit, reveal that UCLA’s chief financial officer, Stephen Agostini, and his executive assistant, Shelley Stanley, reached out to executives at Kroenke Sports and Entertainment (KSE) and SoFi Stadium in August 2024. The email, titled “UCLA Football Discussion,” listed a proposed Zoom meeting for September 2024 and included a high‑importance flag. Attendees were identified as Agostini, UCLA athletic director Martin Jarmond, UCLA CFO Chris Iacoi, KSE’s Rams president Kevin Demoff, SoFi Stadium executives Greg Kish and Mike Forrester, and Mitchell Ziets, CEO of Tipping Point Sports.
In late September, Demoff sent a follow‑up email, “Next Get Together,” asking for a time to review financial projections and “pro‑formas related to SoFi” to “help moving things along.” A December 2024 email, “Updated Projections,” attached a deck that KSE had re‑run to focus on cost reductions and revenue growth for UCLA. Agostini replied within minutes, indicating he would “look at this now.” These exchanges demonstrate that the negotiations were not a last‑minute scramble but a structured, multi‑month process.
On December 5, 2025, the Rose Bowl amended its complaint to add KSE and SoFi Stadium as defendants, accusing them of tortious interference. The lawsuit now seeks a temporary restraining order to block UCLA’s move before the court resolves the dispute. A key hearing on whether the case should go to arbitration is scheduled for January 22 in Los Angeles Superior Court.
Impact Analysis
For UCLA students, the potential shift to SoFi Stadium could mean larger crowds, more modern amenities, and a different travel experience. However, the Rose Bowl’s bond debt and the city’s financial obligations create a complex backdrop. If the Bruins move, Pasadena taxpayers could face higher costs, while UCLA could benefit from increased ticket revenue and sponsorship deals. International students, many of whom travel to attend home games, may need to adjust travel plans and accommodation arrangements, especially if SoFi’s location in Inglewood requires different transportation logistics.
Local businesses in Pasadena—restaurants, hotels, and retail—could see a decline in game‑day revenue if the Bruins leave. Conversely, Inglewood’s economy might experience a boost, with increased foot traffic and potential job creation at the stadium. The legal dispute also raises questions about the long‑term viability of shared stadium arrangements in the region, a concern for universities and professional teams alike.
Expert Insights and Practical Guidance
“The emails show that UCLA’s leadership was proactive in exploring alternatives, but the legal framework of the lease is rigid,” says Dr. Elena Ramirez, a sports law professor at UCLA’s School of Law. “Until the court resolves the dispute, the Bruins are in a precarious position.” She advises students to stay informed through official university channels and to be prepared for potential changes in game schedules.
UCLA’s athletic department spokesperson, who declined to comment on the ongoing litigation, emphasized that the university is “evaluating all options to ensure the best future for our athletes and fans.” For students planning to attend games, the university recommends booking accommodations early and monitoring the official UCLA Athletics website for updates on venue changes.
International students should also consider the impact on travel visas and health insurance coverage. If the Bruins play at SoFi Stadium, students may need to adjust their travel itineraries to align with the new location’s transportation options, including the upcoming expansion of the Metro Line 7 to Inglewood.
Looking Ahead
The January 22 hearing will determine whether the dispute proceeds in court or is sent to arbitration, a decision that could set a precedent for future stadium agreements. If arbitration is chosen, the parties may negotiate a settlement that allows UCLA to play a limited number of games at SoFi while honoring the Rose Bowl lease for the remainder of the contract. Alternatively, a court ruling could force UCLA to remain at the Rose Bowl through 2043, potentially limiting the university’s ability to generate additional revenue.
Beyond the legal outcome, the situation underscores the growing trend of universities partnering with professional sports venues to maximize revenue. The UCLA‑SoFi negotiations may influence other collegiate programs, such as USC, which is reportedly considering a move to SoFi for the 2028 season due to the Olympic Games’ impact on the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
As the legal battle unfolds, stakeholders—including students, alumni, and local residents—will watch closely. The outcome will shape not only UCLA’s football future but also the broader landscape of college‑professional stadium collaborations in California.
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