Amid a recent wave of realignment, the seven remaining full-time members of the Mountain West have signed a memorandum of understanding to remain in the league through 2032, the league announced Thursday. This includes UNLV and Air Force, both of which were top expansion candidates in other conferences; I plan on staying at MWC..
“Our immediate priority has been to solidify the Mountain West membership,” Mountain West Commissioner Gloria Nevarez said in a statement released by the school. “Our focus now is on our student-athletes. “It is aimed at the future of the group that represents the world.” “The agreement announced today marks a historic moment for the Mountain West and provides much-needed stability and clarity as the world of intercollegiate athletics continues to rapidly evolve. We are excited to take the next steps toward expanding the Mountain West.”We continue to prioritize the student-athlete experience and compete at the highest level of intercollegiate athletics. We will do everything we can to support our educational institutions. ”
The Mountain West plans to pay UNLV and Air Force at least $25 million in bonuses to each school to remain in the conference, a person familiar with the decision told CBS Sports’ Brandon Marcello. This bonus is due to Boise State, Colorado State, Utah State, Fresno State, and San Diego State each revoking their Mountain West entitlements to allow them to join the Pac-12 on July 1, 2026. The project will be funded by more than $17 million in funding. .
The league announced the distribution payment percentages for all seven schools. Air Force and UNLV will be at 24.5%, Nevada, New Mexico, San Jose and Wyoming will be at 11.5%, and Hawaii will be at 5%.
While UNLV reaffirmed its commitment to the Mountain West, the school also declared its ambitions to one day join a Power Four conference.
“After thoroughly evaluating all options, the best option for UNLV at this time is to remain a member of the Mountain West,” UNLV athletic director Eric Harper said in a statement released by the school. said. “We are a charter member of the conference and have had great experiences throughout its history and are excited to continue moving forward. The league is a genuine brand and an established product. Revenue Growth As we continue to look ahead, improving our standing as an athletics department will help us pursue our future goal of participating in the Power Four Conference. It also gives me the flexibility I need.”
The MWC currently consists of seven soccer member nations, including Hawaii. To be recognized as a conference by the NCAA, a minimum requirement of eight full members must be reached. That’s a key difference in qualifying for one of the five automatic spots in the 12-team College Football Playoff field.