Washington, Washington State agree to five-year continuation of Apple Cup game

The Apple Cup will continue between Washington and Washington State after this season once the conferences realign next year, according to a joint statement from the schools.

Washington will join the Big Ten next year while Washington State will remain in the Pac-12. The two remaining Pac-12 schools Wazzu and Oregon State, will reportedly form an alliance with the Mountain West for scheduling next season.

Fans of the Washington-Washington State rivalry won’t have to worry the next five seasons though as the game will continue.

The Apple Cup will continue for at least five more years after this year’s meeting, Washington and Washington State announce. pic.twitter.com/X3SLu5cxWA

— Andy Staples (@Andy_Staples) November 19, 2023

“Washington State University and the University of Washington have agreed in principle to a five-year continuation of the storied Apple Cup football series through at least 2028,” the statement read. “Next year’s matchup will take place on September 14, 2024 at Lumen Field in Seattle, with the following four games alternating between the school’s campuses: 2025 (Pullman), 2026 (Seattle), 2027 (Pullman) and 2028 (Seattle). Terms of the agreement are still being finalized.”

Washington State president Kirk Schulz released a statement regarding the Apple Cup.

“The Apple Cup is one of the oldest and most renowned rivalries in all of collegiate athletics,” Schulz said. “For more than a century, fans across the state have been circling the Apple Cup date on their calendars. We are pleased that we will be able to continue this beloved tradition for future generations of Coug fans.”

Overall, Washington leads Washington State in the series 75-33-6. The Huskies won eight of the last 10 meetings.

“The Apple Cup tradition is beloved by Huskies, Cougars and football fans across Washington and beyond, so one of my priorities has been to ensure that it continues into this new era,” Washington President Ana Mari Cauce said. “I’m thrilled that we’ll be able to continue this tradition, and to kick off the new era at Lumen Field before returning to each campus.

“I’m grateful to Troy, our colleagues at Washington State University and our partners at First and Goal Inc. for collaborating to make this happen. This is a win for our fans, our universities and the state of Washington.”

The Huskies are set to host the Cougars Saturday at 4:00 p.m. ET in the final meeting between the two schools as conference foes.