LAS VEGAS -- A $1 million exit fee dispute has thrown Utah Valley's participation in the Western Athletic Conference tournaments into jeopardy just hours before the events begin. The WAC threatened to exclude the school from both men's and women's tournaments after claiming Utah Valley failed to comply with a judge's order to place the payment in escrow.

The conflict stems from Utah Valley's planned departure to the Big West Conference at the end of the academic year. WAC officials stated the school would be considered "not in good standing" without payment, potentially forcing tournament bracket changes. Utah Valley had secured the top seed in the men's tournament after winning the regular-season championship, while the women's team earned the fourth seed.

Utah Valley maintains it has been in contact with the court since Friday and expects to deposit the funds once given proper instructions. The school filed court documents refuting the WAC's claims about non-compliance. Tournament brackets without Utah Valley would be released if payment isn't received by 5 p.m. MT Tuesday, creating uncertainty for both tournaments scheduled to begin Wednesday in Las Vegas.