The Mountain West Conference has secured commitments from its seven remaining member schools, ensuring stability and clarity for the future of the conference. This development comes after Air Force, UNLV, New Mexico, Nevada, San José State, Wyoming, and Hawai’i signed a memorandum of understanding to stay in the league. Additionally, the conference is now looking at potential expansion options, with Texas State and Northern Illinois emerging as potential targets for inclusion.
Expansion Targets and Plans
According to sources, Texas State is being considered for all-sports inclusion in the Mountain West, while Northern Illinois could potentially join as a football-only member. These additions would further strengthen the conference and provide more opportunities for student-athletes. Mountain West commissioner Gloria Nevarez expressed excitement about the future of the conference, stating, “Our immediate priority was solidifying the membership of the Mountain West. Now our focus turns to our collective future on behalf of our student-athletes.”
Financial Implications and Distribution
In addition to securing commitments from its remaining members, the Mountain West also announced plans for distributing money received in exit fees from the schools leaving for the Pac-12. Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Utah State, and San Diego State are each responsible for roughly $18 million in exit fees, as per conference bylaws. Negotiations may lead to adjustments in these amounts. The distribution breakdown for the exit fees includes 24.5% for Air Force and UNLV, 11.5% for New Mexico, Nevada, San José State, and Wyoming, and 5% for Hawai’i.
UNLV’s Role in the Process
UNLV played a crucial role in the conference’s stability, as the school initially signed a memorandum of understanding to remain in the Mountain West before Utah State’s departure for the Pac-12 nullified the agreement. After careful consideration and negotiations with both the Pac-12 and Mountain West, UNLV ultimately decided to stay, citing the financial package as a significant factor in its decision. UNLV Athletic Director Erick Harper emphasized the importance of increased revenues and flexibility as the school looks towards its future goals.
Future Expansion and Requirements
Although the Mountain West now has seven remaining members, including six full-time schools and one partial member in Hawai’i, it still needs to add two full-time football-playing schools to meet the NCAA minimum requirement. The conference has until the start of the 2028 season to fulfill this requirement. Meanwhile, the Pac-12, which currently stands at seven members, will also need to add an additional school by the 2026 season to maintain conference stability and competitiveness.
In Conclusion
The Mountain West Conference’s successful securing of commitments from its remaining member schools marks a pivotal moment in the conference’s history. With plans for potential expansion and financial distribution in place, the Mountain West is poised for a bright future. The dedication and collaboration of member schools, coupled with strategic decision-making, have laid a strong foundation for continued success in intercollegiate athletics. As the landscape of college sports evolves, the Mountain West is prepared to adapt and thrive in a changing environment.
