UW, WSU agree to continue the Apple Cup, at least through 2028

This week's Apple Cup will not be the last, as fans had feared.

The University of Washington and Washington State University announced Sunday that they've agreed in principle to keep the rivalry alive — for now.

The agreement means the two football teams will continue to play the rivalry game at least through 2028. That's despite UW's departure from the Pac-12 conference; the Huskies are leaving for the Big Ten next year. UW's move will become official in August 2024.

"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 in a statement. "This is a win for our fans, our universities and the state of Washington."

The 11-0 Huskies will host the 5-6 Cougars this Saturday in a sold-out game that fans thought might be the end of the Apple Cup tradition. According to the schools' statement, it will be the 115th time they've met on the gridiron in a rivalry that dates back to 1900.

The tradition will continue in 2024 at Lumen Field.