Judge Allows Rose Bowl Lawsuit Against UCLA to Move Forward

A Los Angeles Superior Court judge has paved the way for a breach-of-contract lawsuit filed by the Rose Bowl against UCLA, rejecting the university's attempt to dismiss the case. Judge Joseph Lipner ruled on Thursday that UCLA's anti-SLAPP motion was both “untimely and unsupported by sufficient cause to permit late filing.” This decision comes after UCLA submitted its motion 125 days post-service of the complaint, which has now been ongoing for eight months.

Anti-SLAPP motions are designed to protect individuals and organizations from frivolous lawsuits that aim to intimidate them for exercising their free speech or petition rights. Judge Lipner emphasized that UCLA's late filing was an attempt to unnecessarily delay the proceedings, stating, “It essentially would give UCLA two bites at the apple for purposes of attempting to obtain a stay, with those two attempts spread over a period of months.”

Additionally, the ruling allows the Rose Bowl to move forward with its case against executives from SoFi Stadium, who are accused of persuading UCLA to breach its existing contract through tortious interference. This development means the Rose Bowl can commence issuing discovery requests, potentially leading UCLA to solidify its long-term commitment to its Pasadena location.

Nima Mohebbi, a partner at Sidley Austin LLP representing the Rose Bowl and the City of Pasadena, expressed gratitude for the court's decision, stating, “We appreciate the court’s careful consolidation of the issues and the ruling. We look forward to moving the case forward.”

UCLA's spokesperson did not immediately respond to inquiries regarding the ruling. Recent reports indicate that UCLA and the Rose Bowl have engaged in talks aimed at keeping the Bruins at their historic football venue until at least the conclusion of their lease in 2043. The university has already confirmed its participation at the Rose Bowl through the 2026 season.