LAS VEGAS — Not long ago, the Mountain West Conference faced uncertainty regarding its stability and future. However, in light of recent developments, Commissioner Gloria Nevarez expressed confidence that the conference is now in a strong position.
The decisions by both UNLV and Air Force to remain part of the Mountain West, alongside the addition of UTEP and granting Hawaii full membership, will ensure the conference maintains at least eight full-time programs by 2026. This is crucial for retaining its status as a Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) conference in good standing with the NCAA.
This situation seemed precarious just a month prior when five schools announced their departures to join the Pac-12 Conference. “I feel much more secure now as we have stability through 2032,” Nevarez stated during an interview at the conference’s basketball media days. “We have a solid core membership, and those involved seem committed and eager to succeed. There’s a strong sense of collective buy-in.”
Nevarez had to swiftly address the potential disruption following the announcements from Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, and San Diego State on September 12, revealing plans to leave for the Pac-12 in 2026. The situation intensified when Utah State opted to follow suit, announcing its departure just 11 days later, with UNLV initially receiving an invitation from the Pac-12. However, UNLV’s decision to stay on September 25 prompted Air Force to also reaffirm its commitment, which proved vital for the Mountain West.
“All the athletic directors and presidents were able to focus on the key issues that benefit us collectively,” Nevarez remarked. “We have reached a very favorable situation that everyone seems pleased with.”
Despite these positive developments, the Mountain West still needed to secure two additional full-time members. This requirement was addressed with the announcement on October 1 that UTEP would officially join in 2026, alongside Hawaii, which has participated in football since 2012 but is now established as a full member.
While Hawaii has historically contributed to traveling expenses for visiting teams, Nevarez clarified that subsidies for visiting teams in any sport will no longer be provided. Most sports will be minimally impacted, as they either experience events on the mainland or rotate trips to Hawaii every other year. However, she acknowledged that basketball and volleyball present a challenge due to their annual travel. “We need to find a way to balance those travel dynamics,” Nevarez noted. “Being an airplane league has been our reality for a long time; that’s part of being in the Western region.”
Looking to the future, the Mountain West may consider expanding its membership or potentially bringing in a basketball-only member, such as the regional power Saint Mary’s. Nevarez opted not to disclose specific plans regarding potential future expansions.
Currently, the conference seems securely positioned with member schools committed until 2032; however, Nevarez is cognizant of the fluid nature of conference realignment. “Realignment trends often begin on the East Coast, like the current situation,” she mentioned. “We must be prepared to respond since shifts are typically influenced by conferences outside our region.”