The United States Court of Appeals Ninth Circuit upheld UCLA’s 10-acre lease with the Department of Veterans Affairs, which includes Jackie Robinson Stadium, on Tuesday. Judge Ana de Alba articulated in the court’s opinion that, due to the reversal of judgment on the plaintiffs’ charitable trust claim, UCLA’s consolidated appeals were dismissed as moot, and any injunctive relief regarding the university’s lease and services was vacated.
The lease faced previous scrutiny following a ruling by U.S. District Judge David O. Carter in September 2024. Judge Carter, a Vietnam War veteran and UCLA alumnus, declared the lease illegal, claiming it did not primarily serve veterans as required by law. This ruling forced the UCLA baseball team to temporarily relocate their practices to other facilities as they were barred from their home field for 44 seasons.
The legal battle began after veterans’ advocates filed a lawsuit, arguing that the lease arrangement was mismanaging VA property and failing to benefit veterans, particularly as concerns about veteran homelessness in Los Angeles surged. Following the ruling, the UCLA baseball program was allowed to return to Jackie Robinson Stadium in October 2024 after agreeing to increase rent to $600,000 and surrendering two acres of land for modular housing.
In a recent development, UCLA continued to utilize Jackie Robinson Stadium, playing exhibition games against UC Irvine on November 1. UCLA’s vice chancellor for strategic communications, Mary Osako, expressed satisfaction with the appellate court’s decision, emphasizing the importance of the partnership with the VA in benefiting veterans in the Los Angeles area.
The Bruins have called the stadium, located just two miles from campus, their home since the 1981 season, although they played at Sawtelle Field from 1964 to 1979. Notably, a prior legal case prompted by the American Civil Liberties Union in 2011 had not impacted UCLA’s seasons, and the athletic department signed a new lease in 2016.
Looking forward, athletic director Martin Jarmond expressed confidence during July’s Big Ten Football Media Days that UCLA would be able to play the 2026 season at Jackie Robinson Stadium. Following a challenging 2024 season, players and coaches noted that the temporary loss of their home field ultimately fostered improved team dynamics and performance. This resilience contributed to a strong showing in the NCAA postseason, with the Bruins making their first appearance in the Men’s College World Series since 2013.
As the team prepares to open the 2026 season on February 13 against UC San Diego at Jackie Robinson Stadium, they are set to play a total of 32 regular-season home games, marking a new chapter for UCLA baseball as they continue to build on recent successes.