UCLA’s approach to SoFi Stadium did not result in a 2026 move.
The school told The California Post in a statement that the season will be played at the Rose Bowl. The school has been exploring the possibility of leaving the iconic stadium and playing its home games at the home of the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers.
“UCLA will conduct its upcoming football season at the Rose Bowl,” UCLA Vice Chancellor for Strategic Communications Mary Osako said in a statement provided to The California Post. “We know how much game day means to the Bruins, and to our students, alumni and fans who spend Saturday or so coming together to plan their fall activities.
“Our top priority is to provide a great season experience for our student-athletes and community, and our football program is strong. During this unprecedented time in college athletics, UCLA will always be guided by what is best for our student-athletes and the Bruin community.”
The exploration resulted in a lawsuit filed against the school by the city of Pasadena and the Rose Bowl. UCLA’s lease on the stadium extends into the 2040s. A court date for the lawsuit is set for Friday.
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The lawsuit, filed in October, said the school had “clearly expressed its intention to abandon the Rose Bowl” and relocate to an NFL stadium. The Rose Bowl has been UCLA’s home stadium for 44 seasons since it relocated from the Los Angeles Coliseum.
Given the remaining lease term on Rose Bowl Stadium, UCLA will likely have to pay a significant fee to move to SoFi Stadium in the near future. Keep in mind that UCLA’s athletic department hasn’t been flush with cash in recent seasons.
UCLA has seven home games at the Rose Bowl in new coach Bob Chesney’s first season. The Bruins host USC to close out the season, with teams like Illinois and Wisconsin also headed to the Rose Bowl.
