The Mountain West Conference is taking significant steps to secure its future and expand its membership.
Recently, seven member schools reaffirmed their commitment by signing a memorandum of understanding. This group includes Air Force, UNLV, New Mexico, Nevada, San José State, Wyoming, and the University of Hawai’i.
Their agreement also includes a grant of media rights effective from 2026 through 2032.
As a part of the future plans, the conference is looking into adding new members.
Texas State is being considered for all-sports membership, while Northern Illinois is on the radar as a potential football-only addition.
The focus on growth reflects the conference’s need to stay competitive in the evolving landscape of intercollegiate athletics.
Gloria Nevarez, the Commissioner of the Mountain West, emphasized the importance of these commitments for the student-athletes.
She stated that these agreements bring necessary stability and clarity to the conference during a period of rapid change. This commitment also sets the stage for future advancements, particularly concerning membership expansion.
To address changes within the conference, the Mountain West is preparing for financial distributions related to exit fees.
Schools like Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Utah State, and San Diego State will contribute exit fees, expected to be around $18 million each based on conference rules.
The distribution from these payments is set to benefit the remaining members, with Air Force and UNLV receiving the largest shares.
UNLV is viewing its involvement positively, predicting a significant lump-sum payment in 2025, along with smaller payments over the following six years.
This financial strategy strengthens their position as a committed member of the Mountain West.
According to Erick Harper, UNLV’s athletic director, the league’s established brand and potential revenue increases are crucial for their future strategies, which may include aiming to join a more elite conference.
Currently, the Mountain West comprises six full-time members and one partial member in Hawai’i.
To meet the NCAA requirements for football-playing schools, the Mountain West needs to add two more full-time members by 2028. This expansion is crucial for maintaining their status as a competitive conference.
Looking beyond the Mountain West, the Pac-12 Conference is also in a transitional phase.
With seven members, it will need to secure an eighth school by the 2026 season to fulfill NCAA regulations.
The ongoing changes in conference alignments are largely driven by the increasing demand for stronger athletic programs and media rights negotiations.
The recent developments within the Mountain West highlight the league’s commitment to adapting through strategic planning and membership stabilization.
These adjustments are vital for the success and sustainability of not only the Mountain West but also the greater landscape of college sports.
In this environment of conference realignment, schools must navigate complex relationships and future aspirations.
Ensuring a well-rounded experience for student-athletes while addressing financial needs is essential in maintaining the competitive nature of the conference.
As they continue to look at possible expansions, the focus on solidifying their current membership will remain a priority for the Mountain West.
The unfolding scenarios hold significant implications for various programs as they adjust to shifts in collegiate athletics.