Washington State and Washington strike deal to extend Apple Cup

Many schools’ moves in conference realignment have led to famed rivalry games ending. And it seemed like that might be the case for the Washington Huskies-Washington State Cougars Apple Cup, following the Huskies’ planned departure for the Big Ten next year and the Cougars’ continuation in the current “Pac-2” (and the litigation there that’s seen them and Oregon State battling the 10 schools that plan to depart the conference next summer).

On Sunday, though,  six days ahead of this year’s Apple Cup clash at Washington’s Husky Stadium, there was some good news for the future of the rivalry. The schools announced that the Apple Cup will continue through at least 2027. That will see a neutral-site game at Seattle’s Lumen Field next season, then alternating games between the campuses.

Future Apple Cups locked in.#GoCougs | #WAZZU | #CVE23 pic.twitter.com/lPCzLNltEN

— Washington State Football (@WSUCougarFB) November 19, 2023

Here are some comments from the schools’ leadership groups in a joint statement, via the Huskies’ website:

“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,” said University of Washington President Ana Mari Cauce. “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 & Goal, Inc. for collaborating to make this happen. This is a win for our fans, our universities and the state of Washington.”

This year’s Apple Cup on November 25 in Seattle marks the 115th meeting between the schools, a rivalry that began in 1900.

“The Apple Cup is one of the oldest and most renowned rivalries in all of collegiate athletics,” said WSU President Kirk Schulz. “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.”

This tradition continuing seems like quite a positive for many. Players and fans from both schools have enjoyed many memorable Apple Cups over the years, and now there will be more in the years ahead. And it’s also positive to see this announced well ahead of this year’s game, as that avoids a week of “Last Apple Cup” stories. Now, we’ll see if Oregon and Oregon State are able to find a similar solution to continue their own famed rivalry; the Ducks are reportedly working with Boise State to move back a series of scheduled non-conference games, which could pave the way for games against the Beavers.