UW, Wazzu extend Apple Cup through 2028

Nov 19, 2023, 04:07 PM ET SEATTLE– Washington and Washington State have actually concurred in concept to a five-year extension of the Apple Cup, ensuring the in-state competition will continue through at least 2028.

The schools revealed the contract Sunday, six days before playing for the last time as both members of the Pac-12. There was uncertainty whether the rivalry game would continue, with Washington transferring to the Big 10 beginning next season and Washington State yet to discover an irreversible home for its athletic programs.Washington, ranked No. 4 in the latest AP Top 25, will host the Cougars on Saturday in Seattle. The Huskies (11-0, 8-0 )will be trying to liquidate their first ideal routine season because 1991, while the Cougars(5-6, 2-6)need a win for bowl eligibility.”For more than a century, fans throughout the state have been circling around the Apple Cup date on their calendars. We are happy that we will be able to continue this beloved custom for future generations of Coug fans,” Washington State president Kirk Schulz said.Editor’s Picks Next year’s game will be played Sept. 14 at Lumen Field, home of the Seattle Seahawks. After that, the match will return to the home schools,

with Washington State hosting games in Pullman in 2025 and 2027 and Washington hosting games at Husky Stadium in 2026 and 2028. Terms of the agreement are still being completed.”The Apple Cup custom is cherished by Huskies, Cougars and football fans throughout Washington and beyond, so

among my concerns has been to ensure that it continues into this brand-new era, “Washington president Ana Mari Cauce said.”I’m delighted that we’ll have the ability to continue this tradition, and to begin the brand-new period at Lumen Field before going back to each campus. “The agreement comes even as the sides are in the middle of pending lawsuits as Washington State and Oregon State want to keep the Pac-12 alive moving into the future.Oregon State and Washington

State won a considerable legal triumph Tuesday when a judge ruled that they have sole control of the Pac-12 and potentially hundreds of millions in assets, leading the way for them to move on clarifying their plans for conference affiliation.The Pac-12 and the leaving schools, led by Washington, appealed the ruling to the state Supreme Court. The greater court on Thursday gave a short-lived stay of the initial injunction until an emergency stay can be ruled upon.Oregon State

and Washington State have until Nov. 28 to respond.That’s a matter for the courts to decide. On the field, the contract seems a win even as some in the fan base might grumble about the choice to continue the Apple Cup.”While there is definitely passion on both sides, there is a common desire to

represent the terrific state of Washington in the annual face-off,”Washington State athletic director Pat Chun said.